Project Manager: Research and Grants

Job Description

The role provides leadership and integrated support to the Company’s Project Management and Business Development teams as well as the University’s research teams across the full project lifecycle—from supporting proposal development to project initiation, implementation and reporting with a strong focus on compliance and financial accountability. The incumbent will be responsible for managing key portfolios and projects supported by key contract research/grant/commercial funding sources such as the EU, TIA, GIZ, SETA’s, IDRC, HEWLETT, WHO and others. The role champions and specifically oversees financial, contractual and administrative aspects related to the effective and compliant management of specific project portfolios. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that funded projects are costed, resourced, contracted, executed, monitored and reported in line with Wits Enterprise standards, funder requirements, and University policies. Key requirements of the role will be stakeholder management and providing strategic guidance and operational support to project teams and coordinators.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage assigned key project portfolio
• Lead or contribute to the costing of proposals, ensuring alignment with allowable cost structures, funder rules, and institutional policies
• Facilitate structured handover of approved projects to Project Coordinators/Administrators
• Allocate tasks, monitor progress, and ensure delivery of high-quality administrative and technical support across all project
• Provide leadership and day-to-day oversight to Project Coordinators and Administrators within the assigned portfolio
• Oversee expenditure tracking, cost control, and compliance with institutional and donor regulations
• Ensure full compliance with funder rules, contractual obligations, University policies and Wits Enterprise governance requirements throughout the project lifecycle
• Develop and maintain systems to log and track agreements, reporting deadlines, audit documents, and financial records
• Compile and/or review financial reports and project cost control documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance and audit readiness
• Offer mentoring and skills development training to strengthen project management capability across the team
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within project teams and among stakeholders
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Wits Enterprise project governance, compliance processes, and controls
• Manage and strengthen collaboration between academic/research teams, Wits Enterprise operational team, funders, and external partners
• Contribute to strengthening and cultivating strategic internal and external partnerships to grow the business portfolio

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details, including email addresses, of at least three (3) references to:

For queries, contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email on recruitment.witsenterprise@wits.ac.za