Project Manager: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (4 Year Contract position) - (2098)

Post Number

8722

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> Centre of Excellence (CoE)

Type of Position

Fixed Term Contract

Length of Contract Period

4 Year Contract position

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

The DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) is a national research initiative hosted by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and co-hosted by the University of Pretoria (UP). Funded by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Centre conducts cutting-edge research on food security, nutrition, and food systems resilience in South Africa and beyond.

CoE-FS plays a critical role in policy development, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination by engaging with government, industry, and civil society. Its research focuses on food access, governance, and sustainability, aiming to improve food security outcomes in the region. The Centre also trains Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers, strengthening South Africa’s expertise in food security research. 

UKUDLA is an African-German research collaboration focused on food systems resilience and agricultural data science. It is led by the University of Hohenheim (Germany), the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), and the University of Pretoria (South Africa), with additional partners across Africa. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), UKUDLA aims to enhance food system sustainability through interdisciplinary research, training, and international knowledge exchange.UKUDLA provides structured PhD, postdoctoral, and research fellowships, supporting scholars across South Africa, Germany, and Malawi. It emphasizes transdisciplinary approaches, combining agriculture, data science, and policy research to strengthen food security in Africa.

Both CoE-FS and UKUDLA focus on food security and sustainable food systems, with CoE-FS leading South Africa’s national research efforts, while UKUDLA enhances international collaboration and capacity building. Together, they contribute to evidence-based policy, interdisciplinary research, and the development of future leaders in food security and agricultural sciences. As the CoE-FS grows, it is expected that these multi-institutional, multi-year projects will be supplemented by new initiatives resulting from successful grant-raising.

The Project Manager for the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) and UKUDLA is responsible for the strategic project implementation and coordination, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and oversight of operational management of both research initiatives, and future large projects undertaken by the CoE-FS. This role ensures that the two programs align efficiently, avoiding duplication of efforts while maximising research impact, capacity-building, and financial sustainability.

• The overall office management, including overseeing the management of administrative and financial assistants, coordination of the undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment, transition and academic programs to ensure successful implementation.
• The overall financial management, oversight of the day-to-day budget management and timely submission of financial reports in accordance with approved budgets. 
• Oversight of the Centre’s procurement and asset management processes in accordance with the university’s policies.
• The governance and compliance with the funding agency’s terms, conditions and requirements and representing the Program Director on structures internally and externally.
• Oversight of the effective marketing and communication of the Scholars Program, in close liaison with the Department of Institutional advancement. 
• The Liaison with senior and middle management internally and key external agencies, including the funding body and implementing partners.

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