NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NCST) VACANCIES
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 inorder 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 positions:
1. VACANCY: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
The NCST invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the position of Director of Planning and Resource Mobilization tenable at its Secretariat in Lilongwe, situated in Lingadzi House, City Centre.
1.0 JOB IDENTIFICATION FACTORS
1.1 Job title : Director of Planning and Resource Mobilization
1.2 Grade : CST 2
1.3 Reporting to : Director General
1.4 Directorate : Planning and Resource Mobilization
1.5 Division/Section : N/A
1.6 Staff responsible for : Senior Economist
Senior Resource Mobilization Officer
Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
2.0 PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Purpose of the job: To provide corporate planning services through development, implementation and supervision of corporate planning activities and monitoring performance.
2.2 Key duties and responsibilities
a) Providing leadership in the formulation of strategic and business plans including the setting of performance and service standards, development of programs and monitoring their implementation.
b) Overseeing the formulation, review and implementation of Science, technology and innovation policy instruments for adaptation, invention and transfer of technologies.
c) Coordinating the development and review of National Research, Innovation, Science and Technology Agenda, Strategies and frameworks and identifying key development need areas to inform and define national priority areas for R&D support and inform on areas of focus for national research funding.
d) Developing and implementing relevant performance management and reporting systems to track corporate performance and strategy implementation.
e) Establishing mechanisms for soliciting support from the Executive and Legislative branches of government, policy makers and the private sector towards effective implementation of STI programs.
f) Providing leadership in the formulation of short, medium to long term development plans for the Commission in line with government development goals, strategies and objectives.
g) Ensuring that Commission’s plans, programs and budgets are prepared and approved based on priorities and achieves value for money within the resources allocated to each Directorate/Division.
h) Ensuring proper interpretation and forecasting of short term social economic shocks and their implications and effects on the Commission in order to achieve sound economic management of NCST.
i) Evaluating service delivery of the Commission in technical, financial and human terms from time to time and highlight areas of attention to top management in a timely manner and makes recommendations for improvement.
j) Identifying and driving relevant organizational development programs and initiatives to drive organizational excellence by conducting appraisals and monitoring and evaluating operation systems, economic and financial impact of Commission’s programs and regulatory policies.
k) Providing leadership in projects development and in assessing projects and programs based on viability and established policy.
l) Directing and supervising members of staff in the Directorate, defining their responsibilities, administering performance management system and allocating them tasks to gain effective and efficient achievement of work programs.
m) Leading in engaging with potential contributors to the STI Fund and coordinating NCST’s development and investment programs.
n) Providing technical guidance in policy analysis and review; monitoring; evaluation and research; program planning and budgeting
o) Preparing the state of Science and Technology Report for presentation to the National Assembly.
3.0 JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS
3.1 Minimum Academic/Professional Qualification and Work Experience
Master’s Degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics or Business Administration or related field or its equivalent. Those with PhD will have an added advantage. PLUS
At least eight (8) years’ work experience at Senior Planning Level.
3.2 Functional skills (Behavioural Competencies/Attributes).
The post requires a person who must have/be:
• Team Player
• Public presentation and interaction (effective communication)
• Ability to handle complaints
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• IT skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Confidentiality
• Integrity
• Ability to work with minimum supervision`
2. 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.
3. VACANCY : DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, INNOVATION AND
COMMERCIALIZATION
The NCST invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the position of Director of Technology Transfer, Innovation and Commercialization tenable at its Secretariat in Lilongwe, situated in Lingadzi House, City Centre.
1.0 JOB IDENTIFICATION FACTORS
1.1 Job Title : Director of Technology Transfer, Innovation and Commercialization
1.2 Grade : CST 2
1.3 Reports to : Director General
1.4 Directorate : Technology Transfer, Innovation and Commercialization
1.5 Division/Section : N/A
1.6 Responsible for : Technology Transfer and Commercialization Manager.
2.0 PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Purpose of the job: To provide overall leadership and guidance in technology transfer, innovation and commercialization towards achieving the appropriate scientific and technology-led economy.
2.2 Key Roles and Responsibilities
a) Overseeing the development, review and implementation of technology transfer policies, guidelines, procedures and processes;
b) Taking lead in identifying and developing appropriate technology for the country in order to enhance competitiveness of the local products;
c) Coordinating the development of national plans for promoting industry research sector collaboration in innovation and technology development;
d) Promoting and coordinating the development of national programmes that aim at enhancing quality of locally produced innovations and technology;
e) Leading in conducting national research dissemination conferences, national science week and other technology transfer related events;
f) Providing support in the identification, development and management of key relationships and partnerships that support technology transfer and commercialization programs;
g) Facilitating networking events, with current and potential internal/external stakeholders (Researchers, service providers, development partners, industry, Government etc.) to promote technology transfer activities;
h) Providing leadership in drafting and negotiating investment/financing contracts and other legal documents for commercialization and Intellectual Property (IP);
i) Leading in the development of bilateral or multilateral technology transfer agreements;
j) Providing technical advice to the Director General on matters relating to technology transfer, innovation and commercialization programmes in the Commission;
k) Producing and monitoring the implementation of budgets estimates and work plans for the Directorate;
l) Consolidating quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Directorate;
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
Masters in Natural Sciences, Engineering or Applied Sciences, or related Science and Technology; in addition to a relevant Bachelor’s Degree. Holders of Doctor of Philosophy (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 technology transfer, leadership and management;
be able to lead and motivate various multi-disciplinary teams in technology transfer, creativity and innovation
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;
have high level of integrity, sense of maturity and ability to meet deadlines
4. VACANCY : DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
The NCST invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the position of Director of Finance and Administration tenable at its Secretariat in Lilongwe, situated in Lingadzi House, City Centre.
1.0 JOB IDENTIFICATION FACTORS
1.1 Job title : Director of Finance and Administration
1.2 Grade : CST 2
1.3 Reporting to : Director General
1.4 Directorate : Finance and Administration
1.5 Division : N/A
1.6 Responsible for : Finance Manager
Senior Human Resource and Administration Officer
2.0 PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Purpose of the job: To provide oversight for prudent management of finances and oversee the efficient management of all administration, human resource and procurements in the Commission.
2.2 Key Duties and Responsibilities
a) Ensuring that legal requirements and obligations are consistently applied which include observance of the Financial Management Act, Audit Act and Regulations and other statutes;
b) Providing overall direction for the formulation, implementation and maintenance of human resource management strategy, policies, standards and procedures for the management of human resources that conform to prevailing labor laws, best management practice and current governance requirements;
c) Overseeing the management of the Commission’s financial and administrative systems, processes and resources in line with best practice, relevant laws, and regulation;
d) Ensuring a close working relationships with any external auditors that may be appointed to prepare opinions, assist them access data and information required for effective and efficient audit in order to produce audit reports in time;
e) Managing and coordinating the provision and performance of human resources at the Commission level to ensure that departments are adequately staffed with qualified, experienced, competent and motivated personnel;
f) Ensuring that annually, training needs analysis is conducted and training calendar developed to meet staff training and development needs for good job performance taking into account budgetary and other constraints;
g) Administering performance and reward management systems processes and procedures in accordance with and code of conduct in a way that ensures the legal, consistent and fair reward for performance and administration of discipline;
h) Developing and maintaining a database of staff records in appropriate formats enabling quick access and retrieval;
i) Maintaining records for leave, performance appraisal, training, and other personnel administration;
j) Providing professional technical support to the Commission at both the leadership team and department levels to ensure that management style and decisions made in the management of human resources are within the applicable Malawian labour laws and reflect good human resource management practice.
k) Preparing final accounts and reports timely and presenting to the Commission in liaison with the Director General.
l) Producing additional financial information and reports to management or Commission as may be required from time to time
m) Providing secretarial services to Finance Committee of the Commission.
3.0 JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS
3.1 Minimum academic and professional qualifications and experience
Master’s Degree in Accounting/Finance/Commerce/Business Administration, PLUS relevant bachelor’s degree; or
A Chartered Accountant in ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent qualification and a relevant bachelor’s degree in accounting or its equivalent from a reputable institution.
At least 8 years’ experience at senior level in Finance.
Must be a member of ICAM.
3.2 Required competencies and attributes.
• The post requires a person who must possess /have/be:
• demonstrable to lead and manage diversity of staff;
• proven track records in leadership and management;
• able to lead and motivate various multi-disciplinary teams in such areas as Finance, Administration and Human Resource
• self-drive and excellent communication skills
• a team builder and player
• Result-oriented and of high integrity;
• Adequate knowledge of financial accounting processes;
• analytical and problem solving skills;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• Have traceable experience in use and management of various financial packages such as SAP, Quick Books, Tableau, Xero Accounting Software, Sage evolution and HP TRIM, AccPack;
• Proven skills of team building;
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 opportunity employer and only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged and invited to the interviews.
