Contract type: Permanent Job Level: Junior Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Closing Date: 30 June 2024 The National Research Foundation (NRF) ( www.nrf.ac.za ) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) ( www.sarao.ac.za ) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) ( www.skao.int ) is a next-generation global radio-astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. It is one observatory with two telescopes – SKA-Mid in South Africa and SKA-Low in Western Australia. South Africa is a co-host member of the SKAO, an intergovernmental organisation headquartered at Jodrell Bank (near Manchester in the United Kingdom) responsible for SKAO construction and operations globally. The SKA Observatory seeks a proactive Purchasing Assistant to support procurement activities under the guidance of the SKA-Mid Procurement Specialist. Responsibilities include managing purchase orders, collaborating with stakeholders, ensuring policy adherence, and providing general support to the team. Key Responsibilities: * Acquisition of goods, work and services * Delivery/Logistics * Open order follow ups * Supplier Management * Complete supplier credit applications * Work according to the Procurement Manual to source goods and services, including assisting the Procurement Specialist with requests for quotation and invitations to tender * Update Procurement Reports * Support the broader SKAO Procurement team providing assistance with Tenders, including activities such as supplier analysis, gathering documentation and scheduling meetings * Assist with supplier relationship management * Provide excellent customer service to internal stakeholders Key Requirements: Qualification: * A minimum CIPS level 3 accreditation coupled with three years relevant working experience within a procurement/supply chain environment; OR * A Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies, Law or Economics coupled with one year relevant working experience within a procurement/supply chain environment. (MCIPS advantageous) Experience: * A minimum CIPS level 3 accreditation coupled with three years relevant working experience within a procurement/commercial environment; * OR * A Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies, Law or Economics coupled with one year relevant working experience within a procurement/commercial environment. (MCIPS advantageous). * ERP system experience advantageous Knowledge: Understanding of procurement procedures and principles Additional Notes: Competency – Essential: *Microsoft Office *Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides Administrative skills: Proficiency in basic administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, and document management to support procurement operations. Attention to detail: Ability to accurately review and process procurement documents, contracts, and purchase orders while maintaining attention to detail to avoid errors. Communication skills: Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, to liaise with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and team members. Organizational skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced procurement environment. Analytical skills: Basic analytical skills to interpret procurement data, identify trends, and support decision-making processes. Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate with colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to team objectives to achieve common goals. Customer service orientation: Understanding the needs of internal customers and providing responsive and supportive service throughout the procurement process. Compliance awareness: Awareness of procurement policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure adherence and compliance with organizational and legal requirements. Skills: Ability to deliver excellent customer service outcomes, either for internal or external customers, and the ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal Ability to take ownership of allocated tasks and awareness of how to prioritise given tasks, manage time efficiently and meet deadlines Strong ethics, with an ability to manage confidential data. Strong attention to detail. A self-motivated team player who is flexible and adaptable to change (to situations and personalities) Positive attitude and can-do approach to all tasks Familiarity with MS Office applications such as Outlook, Excel and Word Organisational Values: The SKA-Mid Purchasing Assistant will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO’s values, and to work actively to instil those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South Africa. SKAO’s values are: 1. Diversity and Inclusion 2. Excellence 3. Collaboration 4. Creativity and Innovation 5. Sustainability SARAO’s values are: 1. Passion for Excellence 2. World-class service 3. People-centered 4. Respect 5. Integrity and Ethics 6. Accountability Both SARAO and SKAO value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you, please raise this during your interview, as we are open to discussing flexible working opportunities during the hiring process. 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. Closing Date: 30 June 2024 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr