Contract type: PermanentJob Level: Skilled / Middle ManagementWork Location: Cape Town, Western CapeClosing Date: 31 May 2024The National Research Foundation (NRF) 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) spearheads South Africas 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 telescope 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 Environmental Specialist will form part of the Operations Team reporting to the Senior SHEQ Consultant during the construction and operations of activities at all different sites and will be primarily responsible for the development, implementation, tracking and compliance of Environmental Management plans, reports, policies and procedures for all sites.Key Responsibilities:* Developing and implementing an Environmental Management Plan, policies and procedures for all sites* Ensuring organizational compliance to environmental legislation, policies, plans and construction licenses in South Africa* Developing Key Performance Indicators and track targets for Sustainability for all sites in line with United Nations Sustainability Goals* Implementing programmes associated with these KPIs and reporting operational performance to the EXCO and the National Research Foundation. (This includes water consumption and conservation, energy usage, waste management amongst others)* Acting as the Sustainability Champion and gather inputs from staff to identify sustainability activities already underway, and new initiatives.* Developing, implementing and updating the Environmental Legal Register in compliance with the IEMP* Developing the required documentation to establish an Environmental Management System (EMS) for SARAO to obtain ISO14001 accreditation and ongoing implementation of the EMS to maintain ISO accreditation* Monitoring and reporting on measurable environmental impacts* Developing & implementing ongoing environmental and sustainability awareness material and implement environmental training for staff and contractors* Provide monthly dashboard reports to the EXCO on environment, construction license compliance and updates on achievement of Environment and Sustainability KPIs* Providing guidance to the Environmental Officer and Operations and Project Management Teams and coordinate activities.Key Requirements:Qualification:* A recognized Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science or Management with a minimum of 8 years’ construction experience* A recognized Honors Degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Management in a similar role with a minimum of 6 years’ construction experience; or* Registration with a legally recognized professional registration organization such as the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) or the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA)* Valid driver’s licenseExperience:* Proven knowledge and experience of National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and regulations* Proven knowledge of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act* Proven knowledge and experience of environmental aspect Hazard Identification and Risk Management Processes* Proven knowledge in developing Key Performance Indicators for the Environment and Sustainability* Sound knowledge of environmental incident investigation processes and their causation phenomena* Knowledge and experience in the development and/or implementation of environmental management systems* Knowledge and experience of environmental auditing as per ISO 14001 standards* Environmental Auditing and inspection training* Experience in building strong people relationships, general management practices and experience in managing and leading contractor environmental teams* Extensive knowledge and interpretation of SHEQ Management Systems, procedures and policies including document control* Ability and willingness to travel to the SARAO Site in the Karoo on a frequent basis.Knowledge:* Excellent interpersonal skills and influencing skills* A flexible team player who is adaptable to change* Familiarity with the formalism for, and requirements of, quality control environments such as ISO9001, 14001 and 45001* Knowledge of the South African construction industry legislation and regulations.* Environment, (Health and Safety), Construction* Proven track record in working with contractors on construction sites* Environmental Risk Management* Quality management.Additional Notes:Ability/personal attributes:* Solve problems and resolve conflict* Provide solutions that are practical and pragmatic* Ability to operate alone and within a team under pressure* Self-motivating with a positive attitude* Ability to learn new software packages used during construction and operations.* Development and tracking of Key Performance Indicators for the Environment and Sustainability Inspections, Audits, excellentreporting writing skills.* Excellent oral and written communication skillsInformation: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. Applicationsshould be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicants suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.Closing Date: 31 May 2024The 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