NWU - Division: Research & Innovation
Description
Minimum requirements
An honours degree or equivalent (NQF level 8).
A minimum of three (3) years’ management experience.
A minimum of three (3) years’ operational experience in a higher degrees environment.
ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:
A master’s degree (NQF level 9).
Membership with the Southern African Research and Innovation Management (SARIMA).
A minimum of two (2) years’ research experience.
Requirements:
Town:
Potchefstroom
Position:
Manager: Research Grants
Starting Date:
February 28, 2026
Date Created:
February 19, 2026
KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
Project management from inception through to conceptualization, development and implementation of project management plans, standard operating procedures and effective management of the project timeline.
Project Planning & Execution – Develop necessary protocols, manuals and operational guidelines for the strategic projects.
Sufficient level of technical background to accurately and objectively evaluate project risks.
Planning, organising, supporting, supervising, disseminating, higher degrees support projects.
Managing multi-phase projects.
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
Good interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Time management abilities and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
Discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
Strong interpersonal skills including mentoring, coaching, collaborating, and team building.
Strong analytical and planning skills with the ability to manage competing demands.
Duties Include:
Introduction
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) DIVISION: RESEARCH & INNOVATION – RESEARCH & POSTGRADUATE SUPPORT POSITION NUMBER: N000967 VACANCY: MANAGER – RESEARCH GRANTS PEROMNES GRADE: 7 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT NOTE: THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED NEED NOT RE-APPLY AS THE UNIVERSITY HAS YOUR APPLICATION.
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Manager is responsible for planning and ensuring that externally funded projects are executed and completed on time, within the allocated budget as agreed with key programme stakeholders including the National Research Foundation (NRF). The Manager will also provide support and guidance to faculties on post-award management of external research grants, and ensure that the institution maintains compliant processes, procedures and tools required to attract external funding for research programmes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Programme Management
Planning and management of research grants projects.
Manage resources effectively and efficiently to ensure the budget and project plan objectives are met.
Developing, documenting and maintaining, frameworks and tools for postgraduate funding interventions.
Management of Research Grants
Management of research grants from the National Research Foundation.
Management of research funds from the medical Research Council and other external grantors.
Monitoring and Reporting
Prepare progress reports for submission to the Senate Committee for Research and Innovation.
Monitor and report on expenses and claims to ensure compliance with the NRF Master Agreement.
Identifying risks/gaps in research funding systems and/or processes and acting accordingly.
Relationship Management and Training
Manage professional relationships with internal and external research funding stakeholders.
Provide training and guidance to colleagues across the institution on pre- and post-award management of research grants.
People Management
Leave management for personnel in the Programme.
Performance management of staff.
Participate in recruitment and selection of staff in the Programme.
Additional Info:
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Nnenesi Kgabi on 018 299 4848
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Rabs Diratsagae on 018 299 4797
CLOSING DATE: 27 February 2026
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible