National Commission for Science and technology (NCST)
The Malawi Gazette Supplement Notice No. 1 of 20th February 2009, appointed 14th November 2008 as the day on which the Science and Technology Act, No. 16 of 2003 came into operation. The Act establishes the National Commission for Science and technology (NCST) whose function shall be to advise Government and other Stakeholder on all science and technology matters in order to achieve a
science and technology –led development. The NCST has now been in operation since December 2009 and has a secretariat headed by a Director General.
The NCST invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following posts:
VACANCY: DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
The NCST invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the position of Director of Research, Science and Technology Development tenable at its Secretariat in Lilongwe, situated in Lingadzi House, City Centre.
1.0 JOB IDENTIFICATION FACTORS
1.1 Job Title: Director of Research, Science and Technology Development
1.2 Grade: CST 2
1.3 Reports to: Director General
1.4 Directorate: Research, Science and Technology Development
1.5 Division/Section: N/A
1.6 Responsible for: Research, Science and Technology Manager, Grants Manager.
2.0 PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Purpose of the job: To provide leadership and guidance in developing standards, guidelines and procedures
2.2 Key Roles and Responsibilities
a) Developing and reviewing minimum standards, guidelines, ethics and procedure manuals for registration, licensing and accreditation of research institutions; and promotion of research, science, technology and innovation.
b) Providing support and advice to Research institutions to develop research and development (R&D), Science and Technology (S&T) programs, tailored to the requirements of the national STI Agenda;
c) Coordinating the evaluation of research related proposals for the grant of awards to conduct research;
d) Ensuring effective monitoring and enforcing compliance of licensees with the STI Regulations;
e) Leading the development of initiatives or activities that would attract international investment and strengthen research initiatives in science and technology;
f) Coordinating and promoting collaboration in such research programs among local key stakeholders, private and public institutions;
g) Soliciting donor support and managing grants for specific research programs/activities, and where agreements have to be drawn, ensuring that all documents relating to the functions and obligations of NCST and the other parties are well articulated and properly filled, signed and dated;
h) Ensuring that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Fund is properly administered and awards provided in line with policies, procedures, criteria and other requirements for awarding grants;
i) Providing technical advice to the Director General on matters relating to all regulatory programmes in the Commission;
j) Facilitating the development of budgets and work plans for the Directorate and monitoring their implementation;
k) Consolidating quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Directorate;
l) Providing secretarial services to the Technical Committee of NCST’s Board of Commissioners;
m) Conducting performance appraisals for Managers under charge and ensuring efficient and effective performance appraisal system of the Directorate.
3.0 JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS
3.1 Minimum academic and professional qualifications and experience
- Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences, Engineering or Applied Sciences, or related Science and Technology field; in addition to a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Holders of PhD will have an added advantage
- At least 8 years’ postgraduate work experience at senior management position in a related field.
3.2 Required competencies and attributes
The post requires a person who must:
- have proven track records in research, S&T, leadership and management;
- be able to lead and motivate various multi-disciplinary teams in registration and licensing.
- have good leadership and team building skills;
- be result-oriented, innovative and a self-starter;
- have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to deal with diverse work force;
- demonstrate excellent negotiating and analytical skills;
- demonstrate high level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines
- Possess analytical Skills.
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
The successful candidate shall be offered a negotiable performance related contract for a period of three (3) years, with an attractive salary benefits and gratuity packages commensurate with seniority of the position and qualifications of the candidate.
Method Of Application
Applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), copy of Nation ID, copy of relevant membership certificate, photocopies of relevant certificates, and names and addresses of three traceable referees, one of which must be from the most recent employer should be sent to the following address not later than June 24, 2024.
The Comptroller of Statutory Corporations
Department of Statutory Corporations
Capital Hill, New Building, Ground Floor
P.O. Box 30061
Capital City
LILONGWE 3.
NCST is an equal gender-based opportunities employer and only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged and invited to the interviews.