Senior Project Coordinator

About the job

Apply online: https://candidate.csir.co.za/psc/hr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. Senior Project Coordinator (six months contract) About the job: The CSIR has a fixed term contract vacancy for a Senior Project Coordinator in the Energy Supply and Demand Research Group within the Next Generation Enterprises and Institution (NGEI) cluster. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting renewable energy and green hydrogen projects, ensuring effective project planning, coordination, stakeholder engagement, financial management, risk management and delivery of agreed project outputs. The role will support research, development and innovation (RDI), technology demonstration and the implementation of projects that contribute to South Africa's sustainable energy transition. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to Research Group Leader. For more information about the division/cluster/portfolio, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/nextgen-enterprises-and-institutions . Key responsibilities: Coordinate renewable energy and green hydrogen projects from initiation to close-out, ensuring that project plans, requirements, deliverables and business cases are regularly reviewed and remain achievable, viable and aligned with project objectives. Contribute to the conceptualisation, development and planning of new projects in renewable energy, green hydrogen and related sustainable energy technologies. Develop and maintain project management plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, resource plans and monitoring and evaluation frameworks to support effective project implementation. Organise project governance and team structures, defining roles, responsibilities, deliverables and accountabilities. Deliver projects on scope, within budget and on schedule, ensuring that agreed quality standards and contractual requirements are met. Support multidisciplinary project teams and stakeholders, including researchers, engineers, technical specialists, industry partners, government departments, funding agencies and academic institutions. Facilitate regular internal and external project meetings, prepare progress reports and communicate project performance, risks, challenges and corrective actions to relevant stakeholders. Monitor project expenditure, cash flow, resource utilisation and financial performance, ensuring compliance with CSIR financial management procedures, funder requirements and contractual obligations. Support the preparation of project proposals, business cases, funding applications, technical submissions and project implementation plans for renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives. Coordinate project activities across relevant energy technology areas, including solar photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, energy storage, thermal energy systems, green hydrogen production and utilisation, and power-to-X technologies, where applicable. Coordinate research, engineering, technology demonstration, testing and validation activities, ensuring that technical work packages are implemented according to agreed milestones and deliverables. Facilitate the procurement of project equipment, services and technical resources, working with relevant CSIR support functions to ensure compliance with procurement procedures and project timelines. Identify, assess and manage project risks and dependencies, including technical, financial, operational, procurement, regulatory and stakeholder-related risks. Track project performance against agreed key performance indicators (KPIs), milestones and deliverables, and implement corrective actions where required. Coordinate the preparation of technical reports, management reports, presentations and project close-out documentation, ensuring that project outcomes and lessons learned are appropriately documented. Support technology transfer, industry collaboration and the development of opportunities for the commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies. Provide advice and guidance to project participants, facilitate information exchange and coordinate activities across organisational and geographical boundaries. Qualifications, skills and experience: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Project Management or a related field, with at least five years of project coordination, administration or project management experience , preferably in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy systems, engineering, infrastructure or research and development projects. A postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Science, Energy Studies, Renewable Energy, Hydrogen Technologies or Project Management would be advantageous. Experience coordinating multidisciplinary projects and stakeholders. Experience maintaining project plans, budgets, schedules and reports. Understanding renewable energy, hydrogen or energy systems projects. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining project plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers and progress reports. An understanding of renewable energy technologies, energy systems or green hydrogen value chains. Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: solar PV, wind energy, energy storage, hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and distribution, fuel cells, electrolysers, ammonia, sustainable fuels or power-to-X technologies. Experience in public-sector procurement, tendering and contract administration. Experience working with project teams across organisational boundaries and delivering projects under tight and changing deadlines. Ex

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