Paterson Grade: D1
Duration: 3 years fixed contract
Remuneration: R989, 327.39 CTC (plus a possible 20% performance bonus)
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The MQA is mandated by the Skills Development Act (SDA) 97 of 1998 to drive skills development within the mining and minerals sector (MMS). Its scope covers a diverse range of sub-sectors, including Coal Mining, Gold Mining, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Mining, Diamond Mining, other mining commodities, Cement, Lime, Aggregates, and Sand, as well as services related to the mining industry, Diamond Processing, and Jewellery Manufacturing.
The MQA requires the services of the Manager: Artisan Hub and Innovation on 3 years fixed term contract.
Role Purpose:
The Manager: Artisan Hub and Innovation will ensure that the MQA generates knowledge and novel ideas to enhance artisan development in the Mining and Minerals sector.
The successful candidate will report to the Chief Operating Officer in respect of innovation and to the Senior Learning Programmes Manager: Operations in respect of Artisan Development.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Project Management: Initiate Artisan Hub Projects as outlined in the approved Artisan hub and Innovation Concept document. Plan and design the projects in line with the established Project Management Body of Knowledge. Execute Artisan Hub and Innovation Projects on time, within budget and satisfactory quality. Monitor project implementation and facilitate project closures. Report on all projects implemented in line with the MQA reporting protocols. Procure the required service providers to meet project objectives. Formulate contractual service agreements with service providers. Monitor implementation of service level agreements with contractors.
Artisan Development Hub: Implement the deliverables of the Board approved Artisan hub and Innovation Concept Document. Establish incubators to deliver Master Artisans. Establish an initiative to offer entrepreneurship training. Artisan Alumni establishment and management. Initiation of artisan workplace coaches and mentoring model. Implement all other initiative on the approved concept document including benchmarking, establishment of industry-based artisan Centres of Specialisation, advocacy and marketing, promotion of the registration of artisans on the National Register, ensure sector participation in the World Skills SA initiative, initiate an international linkages programme, upskilling of qualified artisans, issuing of toolboxes, etc.
Innovation: Develop and execute a strategy to integrate innovation into MQA’s processes, leveraging emerging trends, digital tools and best practices. Drive innovation across the organization by fostering a culture of creativity, leading idea generation, and ensuring the successful implementation and scaling of innovative solutions. Establish strategic partnerships and implement digital solutions to improve efficiency, engage stakeholders, and reduce risks through the launch of innovative projects
Research: Lead research initiatives to identify emerging trends, best practices, and technological advancements that drive artisan development and innovation at the MQA. Conduct benchmarking studies to evaluate global and industry-leading models, ensuring the MQA remains at the forefront of skills development. Analyse research findings to develop and implement innovative solutions, optimize training methodologies, and enhance project efficiency. Foster collaboration with academic institutions, industry experts, and stakeholders to continuously refine and improve artisan development and innovation-driven strategies within the organization
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagements: Create opportunities and manage memorandum of agreements between Centres of Specialisation and host employers. Actively build and nurture professional partnerships and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, displaying excellent abilities to listen, advise, consult, influence, negotiate and present at all levels. Ensure there is a structured communication protocol for engaging with stakeholders and managing feedback loops. Developing of advocacy and marketing campaign documents and programmes. Working together with the Skills Development and Research and Monitoring and Evaluation unit to take part in further studies on Artisan Development.
Risk Management and Compliance: Demonstrate the ability to manage risk associated with innovation. Identify and evaluate the risks associated with unit activities and take appropriate action to mitigate and control the risks. Prepare management responses about internal and external audit findings relating to projects and implement remedial actions for the unit. Coordinate submissions of responses and evidence for the Unit.
Quality Management System: Manage unit ‘s contribution to maintain the ISO certification for the organisation Lead and direct the implementation of all projects in line with the approved policies, processes, and procedures. Prepare reports in line with the MQA’s governance framework and submit to the relevant structures. Prepare standards Operating Procedures for the processes of the unit.
Financial Management: Develop, manage, and oversee the efficient utilisation of the project budget. Reconcile projects with the commitment register. Ensure that the projects operate within the approved budget and in line with valid legal contracts.
Admininistration: Manage Learner and Employer contracts for allocated projects. Manage the development and submission of performance information and project reports. Manage the electronic and manual filing of documents within the unit. Create a centralised document management system for all project information under the control of the Artisan Hub and Innovation unit.
People Management: Establish a continuous learning environment to keep the project team updated on emerging trends and technologies. Ensure that the performance contracts are in place before the beginning of each financial year. Ensure that reviews are conducted in line with the MQA performance management policy.
Key requirements: qualifications, experience, and competencies
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development, Training, Business/Public Administration, Project Management at NQF Level 7
- Post-graduate degree at honours level or an equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in the above-mentioned fields will be an added advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience in learning programmes within the education, training, and development field. Proven experience in project management, research and innovation space.
- 3 Years middle management/supervisory experience.
Competencies: Knowledge
- Knowledge of Government Legislation, Regulations, Policies and Procedures. Knowledge of Corporate Governance Framework. Knowledge of Artisan Development System within the South African PSET system.
Competencies: Skills
- Project Management. Research. Contract Management. Communication and presentation skills. People and leadership skills. Strong analytical and technical abilities. Report Writing.
Competencies: Attributes
- Emotional Intelligence. Results orientated. Stakeholder orientation. Resilience. Situational sensitivity, decisiveness, and People orientation.
The candidate should also be willing to:
Work under pressure inclusive of longer than normal office hours. • Work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. • Engage in a lifelong learning process relative to the context of the workplace.
Closing Date: 21 March 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Vacancy Application Form: please ensure that you complete the below application form and submit it together with your application
Interested candidates should submit their applications which shall consist of a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their qualifications, a valid drivers’ license, and valid proof of identification to: recruitment@mqa.org.za
The MQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; therefore, the filling of the position will be in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Preference will be given to Male (African, Indian, White, Coloured) and Female (Indian, White, Coloured) and disabled candidates.
Recommended candidates will be expected to undergo a professional competency assessment and vetting processes.
Successful applicant will be required to disclose their financial interest. Should you not hear from the MQA within 4 weeks of the closing date, you must regard your application as unsuccessful.
The MQA reserves the right not to appoint any person for this position.
To apply email your details to recruitment@mqa.org.za