Description:

SANSA has a mandate to drive the promotion and use of space and cooperation in space-related activities. To achieve this mandate, the Agency fosters research in space science and technology, advances space engineering programmes, and supports the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies within the framework of national government policy. More information about the organization can be found at http://www.sansa.org.za 

SANSA thrives on our employees’ creativity, competencies, and expertise, and on their ingenuity to succeed in a high-performing environment. If you aspire to the SANSA values of Customer centric, Collaboration and Teamwork, Innovation and solutions driven, Responsiveness to opportunities, Having fun together and living these in a fast-paced and innovative environment, then SANSA could be the place for you.

The following opportunities exists in SANSA Hermanus, Western Cape within the Space Science Programme to be filled by an individual with the relevant skills, drive, competencies and qualifications. 

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Space Weather Forecaster (2-year contract)

Reporting to the Head of Space Weather, the incumbent will provide Space Weather forecasting and prediction services as a customer demand service within SANSA’s suite of products and services. The forecasting and prediction services are delivered as part of SANSA’s operational space weather centre, which is a 24/7 monitoring and control environment that will become operational in 2022.

Incumbents will work shifts (day and night on rotation)

This will include but is not limited to the following duties:

1. Monitoring and issuing space weather forecasts. In so doing he/she ensures that a significant part of fulfilling the office’s mandate, which is to: 
   • provide SW forecasting services to all clients that may require this service
   • promote the SANSA brand within the region at various organized activities such as presentations and exhibitions,
   • publish space weather-related reports related to the improvement of space weather process and process elements, where necessary.
   • assist with Trend forecasts, and verification. ‘
2. Troubleshooting and complex problem-solving of technical problems
3. Support activities such as:

• Forecast briefings which occur at the start of shifts, and at specified times between forecasting offices.
• Monthly operating reviews at Space Weather Forum  
• Development and testing of new products and services
• Training of clients on applications

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have:

Minimum Qualifications for a level 1 forecaster:

• BSc Honours in Meteorology & Climate Science, Space Science, or Physics

Advantageous Qualifications 

• Post grad Certificate in forecasting

Additional Training to be provided:

• Post grad Certificate in forecasting
• Space Weather forecasting methodology

Experience:

1 – 2 Years weather related forecasting would be an advantage

Minimum Qualifications for a level 2 forecaster:

Minimum Qualifications

• MSc. in Space Science, Meteorology & Climate Science, Physics, Physics & Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science or Physics & Statistics

Advantageous Qualifications 

• Post grad Certificate in forecasting

Additional Training to be provided:

• Post grad Certificate in forecasting
• Space Weather forecasting

Experience:

• 1 – 2 Years weather related forecasting would be an advantage

   

  Additional Requirements

• Drive, ambition and energy are essential
• Inter-personal skills such as ability to engage with stakeholders at various levels, and manage customer queries
• Initiative, and attention to detail
• Understanding of a customer centric approach
• Incumbents should be motivated to develop their skills and be passionate about science applications
• Willingness to be vetted for security clearance

Candidates will be provided with the opportunity to undertake space weather related research and further their qualifications.

Training will be provided, and candidates must be willing to travel nationally and /or internationally to attend training. Incumbents who successfully pass all aspects of the training provided in the first 2 years may be offered permanent positions as Space Weather Forecasters within the Operational Space Weather Centre subject to: i. the recruitment policy; ii. any other applicable policies of the organization, and iii.  the availability of vacancies.

Competency based testing will form part of the selection process.

Please NOTE that the appointment will be on a level commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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 this vacancy, 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 Employment Equity Act. In accordance with 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 ) 

Should you meet the above requirements, please upload your detailed CV, and apply on: Current Opportunities (mcidirecthire.com)

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 2024