SUMMARY:
The Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC) Research and Information department (RI) is responsible for undertaking economic and industrial research and analysis that is aligned with the development objectives and strategic requirements of the Corporation. It also renders a centralised, relevant, and reliable information provision service o...
POSITION INFO:
The Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC) Research and Information department (RI) is responsible for undertaking economic and industrial research and analysis that is aligned with the development objectives and strategic requirements of the Corporation. It also renders a centralised, relevant, and reliable information provision service on economic, socioeconomic, sectoral and industry related matters to the Corporation at large, including the board as well as to specific external stakeholders. RI’s strategic research and analysis encompasses the following key areas: sectoral, industrial, value chain research and analysis; macroeconomic analysis and reporting; macroeconomic and sectoral forecasting and scenario building; external trade analysis; economic, political; sectoral and trade data management; economic impact assessments; support to policymakers, particularly national government departments and more specifically the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), including the management of the Industrial Policy Support Fund on its behalf To manage and administer the Industrial Policy Support Fund (IPSF), ensuring that the Fund effectively supports evidence-based industrial policy formulation, industrial development and strategic economic research. The role is responsible for the overall coordination, governance, financial administration, procurement oversight, reporting and stakeholder management of the IPSF, while serving as the primary interface between the IDC, the dtic, the IPSF Steering Committee and appointed service providers. The incumbent ensures that IPSF-funded research and technical support projects are implemented efficiently, comply with approved governance and procurement requirements, and contribute to the development of industrial policy, sector competitiveness, investment, employment creation and economic growth Relevant commercial or technical degree\/3 years National diploma. Minimum 5-8 years’ experience in programme, fund, research-project or public-sector programme management, of which a meaningful portion should involve responsibility for complex multi-stakeholder delivery. Practical experience in procurement facilitation, contracting, service-provider management and project monitoring. Experience in financial administration, budget and commitment monitoring, management reporting and audit support. Experience working with government departments, public entities, development finance institutions, research institutions or industrial-policy stakeholders. Understanding of governance, internal controls, delegated authority, records management and compliance in a corporate or public-sector environment. Experience commissioning or managing research, advisory or technical-assistance assignments would be advantageous. Proficiency in client relationship management and administration. Strategic Fund Planning and Governance Provide operational and governance advice to the IPSF Steering Committee and implement approved resolutions Maintain and periodically review the IPSF systems, procedures, guidelines, controls and working arrangements. Coordinate Steering Committee meetings, applications, agendas, submissions, project status reports, minutes and decision records. Ensure that IPSF activities remain aligned with the Fund mandate, the governing agreement between the IDC and the dtic, and approved IDC governance requirements. Research Programme and Project Management Manage the IPSF project portfolio from receipt of applications and Terms of Reference through approval, procurement, contracting, implementation, close-out and archiving. Assess project submissions for completeness, strategic relevance, readiness and compliance before tabling them for consideration. Maintain an accurate portfolio register covering approved, active, procurement-stage, completed and closed projects. Monitor milestones, deliverables, timelines, expenditure, risks, variations and contractual obligations, and escalate material issues timeously. Coordinate Project Steering Committee participation Facilitate quality assurance, acceptance and closure of deliverables Procurement and Contract Management Facilitate the procurement of research and technical services in partnership with IDC Procurement and in accordance with IDC systems, procedures and the Delegation Matrix. Coordinate finalisation of Terms of Reference, evaluation arrangements, procurement submissions and communication of approved outcomes. Support the preparation, review, approval and signature of service level agreements and related legal documents. Maintain complete procurement and contract records, including approvals, signed agreements, variations, performance evidence and close-out documentation. Manage service-provider performance against contracted scope, quality standards, milestones and timelines Financial Management, Controls and Audit Monitor IPSF cash balances, commitments, project expenditure, administration costs, payments and financial performance in collaboration with IDC Financial Management. Coordinate requests for the annual IPSF contribution and ensure proof of payment is directed for allocation to the correct IPSF accounts. Facilitate invoice verification and payment only after confirmation of milestone achievement and the required approvals. Prepare or coordinate monthly, quarterly and annual financial and operational reporting to the Steering Committee, the dtic and IDC management. Coordinate the preparation of the IPSF Administrator's Report and support preparation and approval of annual financial statements. Facilitate internal and external audits, maintain audit-ready evidence and respond to audit information requests within agreed timelines. Identify financial, operational, compliance and delivery risks and implement appropriate mitigating controls. Stakeholder and Relationship Management Act as the principal operational interface between the IDC, the dtic sector desks, the IPSF Steering Committee, Procurement, Financial Management, Legal, auditors, consultants and research institutions. Guide the dtic sector desks and project leaders on IPSF application, governance, procurement, project management and reporting requirements. Maintain effective communication on project progress, risks, decisions, dependencies and required actions. Build constructive relationships that support responsive delivery while preserving IDC governance, independence and accountability. Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement Maintain a complete and accessible repository of IPSF governance records, project files, contracts, reports, correspondence and final research outputs. Facilitate access to completed IPSF studies to reduce duplication and support institutional learning. Track lessons from procurement and project implementation and recommend improvements to IPSF processes and service delivery. Support dissemination and use of research outputs by relevant IDC and the dtic stakeholders, while respecting confidentiality and intellectual-property requirements. Learning, Leadership and Personal Effectiveness Manage own performance and professional development to maintain appropriate fund, project, governance and industrial-policy capabilities. Demonstrate ownership, ethical conduct, sound judgement, responsiveness and disciplined execution. Coordinate contributors and service providers without relying solely on formal authority. TECHNICAL\/FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES •Fund and\/or programme administration •Project and portfolio management •Procurement and contract management •Financial administration and control •Governance, compliance and risk management •Research commissioning and quality oversight •Monitoring, evaluation and reporting •Stakeholder management and facilitation •Business planning and process improvement •Report writing, analytical synthesis and presentation •Records and knowledge management •Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant project, document and reporting systems BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES •Results orientation •Ethical commitment and integrity •Balanced judgement •Planning and organising •Attention to detail •Problem solving and decision making •Relationship building and networking •Customer and service orientation •Political and institutional awareness •Adaptability and learning agility
