Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director: Earth Observation, the successful candidate will lead the development, implementation, and management of innovative Earth Observation (EO) research projects and space intelligence tools. The role involves driving cutting-edge applications and solutions for national, regional, and global challenges using EO data, satellite imagery, and geospatial intelligence to develop actionable insights for sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, environmental and climate monitoring, and urban planning.The incumbent will guide research projects, mentor teams, and establish strategic partnerships while ensuring high-impact, scalable, and sustainable solutions.The ideal candidate must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum of PhD qualification in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Earth Sciences, Computer Science or related fields.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a senior role in Earth Observation applications, space intelligence tools development, or geospatial research.
• Demonstrated three (3) years of experience in a management role.
• Evidence of domain understanding through remote sensing scientific publications in journals and conference proceedings.
• Ability to interact with a network of senior stakeholders and clients.
• Experience in the remote sensing processing chains.
• Insight into the requirements of the EO Space Intelligence environment.
• Understanding of business management processes.
• Due to the specialised and technical nature of the environment as well as the need for good leadership, the position requires a scarce combination of remote sensing, GIS, research and leadership/management skills.

Key performance areas will include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the development of EO research and intelligence tools.
• Oversee the creation of AI-powered EO applications for climate monitoring, agriculture, and disaster response.
• Manage multiple EO projects, ensuring research outputs translate into real-world applications.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with government, industry, and international institutions.
• Provide mentorship, training, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Oversee financial and procurement management for EO projects.

Background verification, including criminal record, credit checks, security clearances, qualifications, and citizenship checks, as well as competency assessment and psychometric testing, may form part of the selection process. By applying for these vacancies, the candidates consent that SANSA can collect, process, and share their Personal Information (PI) for verification, assessments, and employment purposes only.SANSA subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. As per the Employment Equity Plan of SANSA and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups (African males and females, Coloured females, and People with disabilities).Communication will only be conducted with short-listed candidates. If applicants have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, regard your application as unsuccessful. SANSA reserves the right not to make an appointment.Closing Date: 27 February 2025.For queries, please contact Mr. Kgaugelo Ramone by email at mramone@sansa.org.za or 060?942 2358.

The South African National Space Agency