Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.CORE PURPOSE OF JOBSAIMI seeks to appoint a Research Director, to establish a research office that will facilitate an increased productivity in research, knowledge management and innovation; that will creatively address the challenges and opportunities in the oceans and maritime sector, through the support and facilitation of a multi stakeholder national maritime research development and innovation roadmap. It is expected that the incumbent will develop and drive the SAIMI research agenda, with the aim of generating and collating research and knowledge that supports growth of the South Africanand African maritime sector through better understanding of the skills, technology and innovation needs of the maritime industry. The position reports to the CEO.KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS1. Research Development and Innovation1.1 Develop SAIMI's research and innovation (RDI) capacity.1.2 Established the research office.1.3 Set research agenda for SAIMI.1.4 Develop and implement research roadmap.1.5 Support and align RDI with oceans economy programmes.1.6 Secure and manage research funding according to NMU's policy and procedure prescripts.1.7 Development of project concept documents and proposals.1.8 Commission research.1.9 Direct the implementation of research outcomes.2. Knowledge Management2.1. Establish SAIMI as a centre of knowledge and information sharing to service the maritime sector.2.2. Develop and manage a knowledge management hub strategy and system.2.3. Manage SAIMI research repository with relevant research outputs and artefacts.2.4. Agreements with content partners (local and international).3. Establish and coordinate SAIMI Think Tank3.1. Establish a Think Tank forum for interdisciplinary research with the objective of providing advice on a diverse range of policy issues through the use of specialized knowledge and the activation of networks.3.2. Develop requirements for the forum.3.3. Identify maritime stakeholders to serve on Think Tank forum.3.4. Lead and facilitate Think Tank sessions.4. Stakeholder Engagement4.1. Support in developing and managing the stakeholder engagement plan.4.2. Establish and manage partnerships, and network with key stakeholders.4.3. Ensure that linkages and synergies with other SAIMI programmes and projects are exploited for increased impact.4.4. Contribute internally to strategic reviews and development of SAIMI's programmes in general to ensure alignment.5. Maritime Policy and Advocacy5.1. Contribute to the development and implementation of a strategic advocacy plan that will position SAIMI and its impact in society favorably among key stakeholders and the general public.5.2. Provide research on policy, data, insights, and trends that help make case for the value and impact at local, region, and collectively on a national scale.5.3. Share policy insights and foresights that enable policy makers to make decisions which maximize the accrual of sustainable benefits for the country and its citizens.5.4. Contribute to SAIMI research outputs and capabilities with partners and stakeholders - build relationships with similar institutes in maritime research, universities, and research organisations.5.5. Contribute to advancing the vision and mission of SAIMI by providing data, information and education on various policy and strategic trends that may impact the achievement of sustainable outcomes within the oceans and maritime sector.6. Research Office Management6.1. Establish, equip, and manage the research office.6.2. Oversight for achieving delegated designated targets for the theme / sub-division.6.3. Ensure that each team member aligned to the designated theme of leadership is capacitated, managed, supported, mentored, and motivated to ensure a high performance team that meets strategic targets.6.4. Actively promote and support talent management, succession planning, retention strategies and achieve equity targets.6.5. Compliance with NMU policies and procedures regarding, staff appointments, procurement, awarding and/or receipt of funding, research management, etc.6.6. Responsible for the financial aspects of the research projects.6.7. Ensure that grants obtained are strategic and focused on public-oriented research in keeping with the SAIMI's vision.6.8. Compliance with SAIMI and funders' reporting requirements. Conduct due diligence, monitoring and evaluation.6.9. Ensure that fair conflict and consequence management takes place as per NMU's HR policy and procedure prescripts.CORE COMPETENCIES Ability to commission and manage research projects. Ability to attract external financial research funding. Research and project management experience. Academic publishing experience. Insight into maritime sector. Policy and advocacy. High-level English language skills; additional languages an advantage. High level computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft applications. Ability to coordinate competing priorities, meet demanding deadlines and work under pressure. High level of integrity and commitment to professional responsibilities. Strong leadership, people management, and relationship-building skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.&bu