Main Purpose of the Job:

• Act as Research Director on Research and Development programmes that fall under Building Material Science Division,
• Lead research projects and oversee their planning and execution.
• Create a proper work environment for the division, and manage its resources for achieving its goals

Duties & responsibilitiesv

Management and service delivery

• Participate in the preparation of BITRI’s operating plans and budgets
• Develop, review and ensure implementation of the relevant policy and strategy for the conduct of the division’s mandate, and align its operations with the overall mission, vision and values of BITRI

• Ensure provision of service in line with service level agreements
• Oversee the development, review and implementation of cost effective and value driven systems, rules, regulations, standards, procedures, guidelines and instruments that are relevant for the conduct of the division’s work; and ensure that the division’s staff are informed and trained to use them
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards and procedures applicable to the division
• How have you planned and maintained direct oversight on a division’s operations in terms of work scheduling, estimating resource and staffing needs, allocating and delegating tasks for the provision of quality services whilst retaining overall accountability, (d) recruitment, training, mentoring, motivation and appraisal of staff, (e) development of the division’s operational plans and budgets, and (f) monitoring the division’s expenditures against budget
• Advise CEO or Board on matters related to research
• Undertake any other duties as may be delegated by CEO or BoardLeadership in research and development
• Participate in the Joint Working Groups constituted to (a) analyse and formulate baseline concepts for R&D (at project inception stage), and (b) to identify on-going technology improvement opportunities after technologies are transferred
• Participate in the Technology Advisory Group for discussion of baseline concepts by the Joint Working Group
• Designate subject matter specialist to conduct detailed investigation on existing technological solutions and to carry out technical feasibilities, and maintain general supervision of the work thereof
• Review R&D project proposals and present, together with the Programme Coordination, the proposals to the Quality and Technology Committee for approval
• Review project plan before approval from Project Reference Group
• Oversee the planning and execution of assigned R&D projects through proper project management and administration controls
  • Give examples where you provided direct research advice, guidance and assistance on research and development projects as and when required Ensured close liaison of R&D project team with relevant internal and external parties at all times during the research and development projects
  • Regularly evaluate progress and results obtained, and recommend necessary changes to bring projects on track or to achieve set objectives
  • Participate in Technical Review Committee as and when they are constituted
  • Participate in Project Reference Group to review progress of R&D projects at key milestones
  • Participate in any other Board Committees, internal cross-functional and/or reference committees within and outside the organisation as required
  • Drive initiatives to develop, review and adopt research tools and methodologies in line with international best practices
  • Keep abreast of technological trends and changes on the international arena in
• R&D areas of relevance to BITRI.
• A PhD in engineering or science related field from a recognised institution or any other qualification acceptable to BITRI.

  Experience and working knowledge:   

  12-15 years of research experience in a research environment, including 5 years in a senior R&D programme management capacity.

  Technical competences

   

  • Knowledge of R&D sector in Botswana (policies, strategies, legislations, regulations)
  • Knowledge of R&D practices, principles, processes, procedures etc.
  • Understanding of the research agenda of BITRI and its potential applications in Botswana
  • Strong international perspective gained either through working overseas or working for an internationally focused R&D organisation in Botswana
  • Computer literate.
  • Experience with systems and applications relevant to the specific work area

   

  Other competencies

   

  • Creativity, innovation, flexibility and analytical thinking
  • Results oriented and performance driven
  • Decisiveness and assertiveness
  • Communication, influence, impact
  • Service oriented and client focus
  • Team building, leadership and motivation
  • People management and interpersonal skills
  • Planning, organising, budgeting, resource management