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    Manager: International Grants and Partnerships(6276)

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    Manager: International Grants and Partnerships

    Manager: International Grants and Partnerships(6276)

    • Manager: International Grants and Partnerships (Post Level 6)
    • Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
    • Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
    • Job ID: 6276
    • Type: Permanent
    • Closing Date: 20 November 2025
    • Start Date: As soon as possible
    • Salary: On application (includes pension, medical aid, housing allowance, and other benefits)

    Purpose of the Position

    To strategically lead, coordinate, and manage international research funding and partnerships in alignment with UFS Vision 130.
    This involves identifying suitable international funding opportunities, overseeing submissions, managing partnerships, and strengthening UFS’s global research collaboration network.

    Key Duties & Responsibilities

    1. Strategic Leadership

    • Contribute to UFS’s internationalisation and research funding strategies.

    • Lead strategic planning for international funding diversification and partnerships.

    • Advise senior management on global funding trends and policy changes.

    2. Grant and Partnership Oversight

    • Identify, evaluate, and prioritise major international funding opportunities.

    • Oversee submissions to global funding programmes (e.g., EU Horizon, NIH, British Council).

    • Manage due diligence, governance, and risk assessment of funded partnerships.

    3. Policy and Process Development

    • Develop and standardise policies for international research collaborations.

    • Ensure compliance with national and international financial and ethical regulations.

    • Enhance operational efficiency and institutional accountability.

    4. Institutional and External Liaison

    • Build relationships with international donors, embassies, and research councils.

    • Represent UFS in policy networks, consortia, and funding platforms.

    • Collaborate internally with Finance, Legal, DIRAP, and other divisions.

    5. Capacity Building & Training

    • Develop and deliver training workshops for researchers and administrative staff.

    • Promote compliance awareness and excellence in proposal development.

    6. Reporting and Analytics

    • Produce data-driven reports and dashboards on UFS’s international funding performance.

    • Provide analytics to inform strategic decision-making and institutional monitoring.

    Inherent Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma / BTech / Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:

      • Research Administration

      • Project Management

      • International Relations

      • Business Administration

      • Or a related field

    • At least 5 years of relevant experience aligned with the listed responsibilities.

    Recommendations (Preferred Qualifications & Experience)

    • Postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) — relevant field

    • Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) advantageous

    • 8+ years of experience in:

      • Research management

      • International grants administration

      • Strategic partnership development (especially in higher education/research)

    • Proven success leading multi-stakeholder, large-scale international projects.

    • In-depth knowledge of global funding systems (EU Horizon, NIH, NRF, British Council).

    • Experience with research management systems (InfoEd, RIMS, NRF platforms).

    • Strong financial management of grants and contracts.

    • Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

    Core Competencies

    Results Orientated:

    • Sets high standards and delivers results in a changing environment.

    Strategic Thinking:

    • Manages multiple priorities and plans effectively.

    Business Acumen:

    • Complies with institutional regulations and demonstrates strong digital and administrative skills.

    Leading:

    • Inspires and directs teams; promotes collaboration and cooperative working relationships.

    Building Coalitions:

    • Builds trust and influence across internal and external networks; collaborates effectively in complex environments.

    Employment Equity

    UFS is a designated employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and redress under its Employment Equity Plan.
    Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities.

    Application Instructions

    Applications must be submitted online only at:
    https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

    Documents required (incomplete applications will not be considered):

    1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae

    2. Copies of qualifications (with SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications)

    3. Copy of ID (or passport for foreign nationals)

    4. Proof of current or previous employment (contract, certificate, or recent payslip)

    Enquiries:

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