Deputy Director: Earth Observations

SUMMARY:
To support the design, development and implementation of policies and programmes that will meet the Earth Observations Data user’s requirements in the implementation of the South African Earth Observations Strategy.

POSITION INFO:
JOB DESCRIPTION

Earth Observations Strategy development, review and implementation:

• Engage user communities to develop user requirements specifications on Earth Observation.
• Communicate the benefits of using Earth Observations to relevant stakeholders.
• Support the review of Earth Observations (EO) strategy and other EO matters.
• Facilitate the implementation of the strategy through EO related stakeholders (e.g. SANSA, SAEON).
• User requirements report and Relevant documentations (e.g. reports) in relation to user engagements.
• Workshops, meetings, etc. conducted.
• Benefits shared through the National EO Secretariat.
• Approved Review Report.
• Agreed milestones achieved on strategic implementation and responding to user requirements.

• Facilitate the call for proposal based on user engagements and selection of the proposals for implementation.
• Promote the development of applications based on identified user requirements specifications that stakeholders should provide.
• Monitor progress made on the implementation through bi-annual progress reports.
• Proposals received, reviewed and recommended for support.
• Data systems and applications that meet the requirements of users.
• Bi-annual Progress reports compiled and submitted for approval.
• Facilitate the transfer of funds as per contract signed.
• Funds transferred accordingly, and utilised.

• Provide technical inputs on the APP, Ops plan, strategic plan.
• Analyse and make inputs on the quarterly, annual and projects reports.
• Approved APP, OPS plan, Strategic plan.
• Approved quarterly, annual and projects reports.
• Engagement with strategic partners:
• Engage internationally, regionally and locally through bilateral and multilateral arrangements.
• Capacitate the region on the beneficial use of Earth Observations information.
• Collaborate with other countries on initiatives identified, especially in the SADC region.
• Draft reports and inputs that are aligned to the company priorities.
• Improved Earth Observations capacity in the region.
• Leveraged global knowledge to capacitate the national competence.
• Progress (reports) made on initiatives.

• Facilitate the development of Human Capital Development and Space Awareness Initiatives.
• Development and implementation of HCD plan to capacitate the Space programme put in place.
• Outreach programme to excite an array of stakeholders about SS&T.
• HCD and space awareness plans created and implemented.
• HCD plan implemented and transforming the EO industry.
• Stakeholders aware and increased uptake of SS&T apps, products and services.

• Minimum of 3 years working experience regarding Earth Observations

• Three years degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering.
• Honours or postgraduate in Remote Sensing or Geospatial Sciences will be an added advantage.

• Knowledge and training:
• Understanding of the Space Science and Technology Landscape
• Good grasp of SA Earth Observations Dynamics and role players
• Knowledge of National System of Innovation