Research Architect / Engineer Development of Hospital Norms & Standards, Pretoria, R450k pa neg. Our client has a vacancy in their Built Environment for a Researcher in the Building Science and Technology competence area. The Infrastructure unit at the national Department of Health (NDoH), in collaboration with the organisation, has convened a team to draft new national norms and standards for health care facilities for South Africa. Project information: The South African Hospital Norms (SAHNORMS) document (dated 1986) provided the last legislated guidelines and cost guidance applicable to public health care infrastructure. The promulgation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) repealed the Exchequer Act and consequently, the SAHNORMS and its management structure. A subsequent comprehensive system or structure that sets minimum Norms and Standards (N&S) is required to manage health infrastructure. It is important that the N&S developed should be responsive to the specific health, service delivery and affordability environment in South Africa. It is also recognised in the implementation plan that while the development of such N&S specifically tailored to the South African environment is a long-term project, there is an urgent need to ensure that N&S can be made available as soon as possible to inform projects due to start in the immediate future. The primary focus and urgent objective of work for the successful candidate is in this focus area under the Infrastructure Unit Systems Support (IUSS) contract. The candidate’s role will be to be at the forefront of the team driving the development of a sustainable set of universally-adopted national norms, standards, guidelines and benchmarks for all levels of health care facilities related to all stages of the health infrastructure life cycle. Requirements: • A Bachelor of Architecture or a Bachelor of engineering degree although a Master’s degree would be preferred. • Must be a registered qualified built environment professional. • Must have high levels of technical competence in applicable professional discipline. • It is a requirement that the successful applicant must have at least five years’ working experience in infrastructure / built environment domain. • At least two years’ experience and understanding of health care, infrastructure planning, design and procurement in the South African public health context is compulsory. • Must be thoroughly familiar with national building regulations and the South African Hospital Norms (SAHNORMS). • Demonstrated experience in contract evaluation and strategic planning. • High levels of proficiency in English – written and verbal communication skills. • Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills. • High levels of computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint (Open Source equivalents are advantageous.) • Demonstrated track record of the ability to work accurately, independently and efficiently. • Ability to deliver on-the-job requirements. • Be innovative and have high levels of detail orientation. • Must be able to critically assess input from various stakeholders. • Ability to evaluate guidelines, legislation and policy. Responsibilities: The primary objective of this position is to lead the preparation of SAHNORMS in consultation with the project team. This is achieved through: • Conducting in-depth study, research, coordination and collation of large amounts of reference material. • Identifying gaps, troubleshooting and actively participating in formulation of useful, clear and appropriate guidelines. • Consolidating, synthesising and presenting information in a coherent manner. • Convening stakeholder meetings and engaging with them nationally. • Participating in a team in compiling of necessary documentation; leading dissemination strategy, adoption and institutionalisation of norms and standards. Our client is an Employment Equity Employer, giving preference to suitable previously disadvantaged candidates who contribute to the diversity of the Company. Instructions Credit, criminal, qualification and employment history checks are a pre-requisite for this position. Should you not be contacted within 10 days please consider your application as unsuccessful. Please note that correspondence will be entered into with short-listed candidates only.