Key requirements: Qualification and experience: • A Master’s degree (NQF 9) in Information Technology or related fields • A doctoral degree/PhD will be an added advantage • 12 years relevant experience with a minimum of 5 years as an Executive in the ICT field • A relevant project management or equivalent work experience. Job knowledge: • A thorough understanding of NRF programmes and instruments • Project management experience, demonstrating one’s ability to coordinate and implement business projects • Experience managing people, demonstrating one’s ability to organise and manage teams, a crucial aspect of the most digital transformation projects • Experience with digital tools or, more specifically, digital transformation, which shows that one has an aptitude for technology • A track record of delivering significant change which improves business effectiveness in sustainable ways • Ability to build strong relationships and communicate with a wide spectrum of stakeholders • Strong conceptual skills with a demonstrated capacity for robust critical and creative thinking and analysis • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence and build relationships • Experience in developing innovative solutions and contribute to strategic planning • Capacity to work with people at all levels in an organization and with people from many cultural backgrounds • Knowledge of customer data management and supporter journeys • Excellent planning and time management skills • Attention to detail • Familiarity with ISO standards (such as ISO/IEC 27001, 9001, and 42001) and NIST Requirements (e.g. NIST Cybersecurity Framework, 800-63, and AI Risk Management Framework) • Ensure digital operations align with national and international governance frameworks including: • PFMA • POPIA • Cybercrimes Act • National Archives Act • DPSA ICT Governance Framework • ISO 27001 • COBIT and ITIL best practices • King V. Job Related skills: • Digital strategy development • Enterprise architecture • Data analytics and AI • Cybersecurity governance • Digital platform development • Stakeholder management.

 The NRF seeks to appoint a Group Executive to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the NRF’s enterprise-wide Digital Transformation agenda. The role positions the NRF as a digitally enabled research funding and research infrastructure organisation by driving modern digital platforms, advanced data analytics, secure ICT infrastructure, and digital innovation capabilities that support research excellence and societal impact. The Group Executive will ensure alignment with the NRF Vision 2030; DSTI Decadal Plan; National System of Innovation priorities; as well as Government ICT governance frameworks. Duties will include but are not limited to: • Contribute to strategic deliberations at Executive and Board levels, providing substantive insights that inform the development and refinement of the organisational Strategy and Annual Performance Plan • Provide long‑term strategic perspective by aligning functional goals, plans, and priorities with the organisation’s Mission and Vision, ensuring an appropriate balance between immediate operational demands and long‑term in Develop and lead the implementation the NRF Digital Transformation Strategy • Position the NRF as a digital platform organisation supporting research funding and knowledge generation • Align digital investments with NRF strategic priorities and national research goals • Oversee the establishment and maintenance of enterprise architecture frameworks • Ensure interoperability of systems across NRF programmes, research institutions, and national systems • Cultivate and maintain strategic, trust‑based relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance organisational goals and safeguard the NRF’s reputation and interests • Represent the organisation at high‑level forums, engagements, and strategic discussions, ensuring alignment between stakeholder expectations and institutional priorities • Promote a collaborative, service‑oriented organisational culture by strengthening cross-functional partnerships and driving adherence to internal service standards and agreements • Oversee software development to ensure alignment with organisational standards and objectives • Explore and evaluate new software development methodologies to enhance delivery effectiveness • Facilitate seamless integration and implementation of software solutions across systems • Manage the design of software solutions to ensure quality and scalability • Manage the software construction and integration process to ensure efficient delivery • Assess the performance of ICT infrastructure against established standards and benchmarks • Ensure alignment of infrastructure solutions with organisational requirements and strategic objectives.

 Information: The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.  Applications:  Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online.  Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant s suitability for the position.  The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.  The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.  Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only Closing date: 28 June 2026

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