AFTER moving back and forth trying to fill the vacancy of the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) chief executive officer, a new advert is being run to find a suitable candidate.
The deadline is August 31.
The appointment of a substantive chief executive officer for RSTP has become the subject of growing controversy, dragging on for close to three years, as the last CEO, Vumile Dlamini, occupied the office until July, 2023 when his contract expired.
Since then, there has been no CEO in the position, despite some candidates previously shortlisted for the role.
This had previously also prompted Members of Parliament to threaten to block the RSTP budget for the 2026/2027 financial year if government failed to appoint a substantive CEO.
Currently, Madoda Mdziniso serves as the acting CEO following his appointment by the RSTP Board of Directors in March.
This is despite the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Savannah Maziya having tabled a report in Parliament which contained the names of the shortlisted candidates for the position after SAMKO Consulting conducted interviews and made recommendations to the board.
The last CEO recommended for the position was Zimbabwean technology executive Jeremiah T. Munembe.
Maziya, after the challenges faced in appointing Munembe to the position, stated that the recruitment process for the new CEO would be started afresh.
A new job advert has since been made public for the position by AMRS.
AM Recruitment Services (AMRS) in the advert said their client, RSTP, a public enterprise under the ministry of ICT, was seeking a dynamic and visionary CEO.
The advert states that their client is looking for a CEO with the ability to drive a business strategy that fosters organisational development and maximises the organisation’s growth and impact in Eswatini through strategic leadership, a profound understanding of the innovation ecosystem, innovation and technological advancement.
The CEO reports to the board of directors. The CEO needs to have a Master’s Degree in Engineering, IT, or a science-related field from an accredited institution, a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership or Management or a related field from an accredited institution. A membership of an appropriate professional body would be an added advantage.
The candidate should have a minimum of 15 years’ demonstrated leadership experience in a senior executive role, preferably in the innovation, R&D industry, and bio-economy or technology sector.
They should also have demonstrated experience in research management, innovation ecosystems, science parks, technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship, or Special Economic Zones (SEZ).
The CEO is expected to establish RSTP as a regional and international centre of excellence. Also expected of the new CEO is to cultivate and sustain relationships with industry leaders, investors, government agencies, Parliament, Science and Technology Parks and key stakeholders.
According to the advert, the CEO will also ensure compliance with relevant legislation, corporate governance principles, and environmental, social, and governance standards.
The successful candidate will also ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of RSTP’s risk register and mitigation strategies, and RSTP’s risk management policy.
Also part of key responsibilities is the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and operational systems that support efficient service delivery.
The CEO is also expected to develop sustainable revenue streams through infrastructure development, tenant services, research collaborations, and innovation programmes.
The new leader will also lead fundraising initiatives and mobilise resources for strategic projects.
The position also requires someone who will support skills development programmes for entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology-based businesses.
The CEO should also be someone who will build and lead a high-performing executive team, providing guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities.
The successful candidate is also required to oversee the management of executive operations and ensure alignment with organisational objectives.
Those interested in the position have been advised to submit a detailed curriculum vitae and certified copies of qualifications to: recruitment@amrseswatini.com by August 31, at 2pm.
