Job Description

Job Purpose

Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the incumbent will be responsible for strategic and executive leadership, management and governance of the portfolios (direct/solid reporting line) of Research, Innovation (including the integrated innovation-commercialisation ecosystem), Internationalisation, and the Library and Information Centre (LIC). Executive Deans and Deans at the University have a dotted reporting line to the DVC: R&I. The primary responsibility of DVC is to provide exceptional strategic and senior executive leadership to advance and elevate further the universitys research and innovation excellence, its research, innovation and internationalisation partnerships and stakeholder relationships nationally and internationally, and its Pan-African and global reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine, articulate, implement and lead the portfolios strategic and executive initiatives in accordance with the Universitys Strategic Plan to enhance and support academic, research, innovation and internationalisation excellence and stature
• Ensure institutional compliance with the relevant statutory and regulatory framework in which the University functions
• Relevant to this portfolio, provide oversight and secure the strategic execution of GES and research institutes
• Act as custodian of the applicable rules, regulations, policies and charters in terms of which the University functions
• Maintain and promote excellence in research and innovation
• Sustain and nurture new international research partnerships and collaborations
• Promote and sustain excellence within the portfolios
• Manage and govern portfolios strategically
• Maintain and promote strategic international partnerships
• Target recruitment and nurture talented scholars and students with a focus on Africa as well as the Global South
• Promote and establish world-leading study abroad programmes
• Enhance the international profile of staff and students
• Review and advance the LIC strategy in accordance with the Universitys strategic objectives with a specific focus on the development, with peer institutions, of the virtual library
• Strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally
• Ensure sustained excellence through research and innovation that respond to the sustainable development goals, domestically, in Pan-Africa and across the planet
• Oversee and implement innovative academic staff development initiatives, including retention and recruitment
• Advance the Universitys online postgraduate presence
• Ensure high-quality divisional governance, administration and systems functioning
• Ensure the effective and efficient management and utilisation of the portfolios finances and resources
• Serve as a director of the board in selected university companies advancing research, innovation and commercialisation
• Respond to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) research and innovation-related policy documents, draft proposals and reports and initiate policy
• Manage risks within the portfolio

• Substantive and acknowledged academic stature, with a PhD (or equivalent) as a minimum academic qualification
• Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels: undergraduate, postgraduate, postdoctoral, and in staff recruitment, mentorship and development
• Senior management experience at an academic institution and/or within a faculty of significant size and complexity
• Experience, savvy and vision, paired with demonstrated and acknowledged strategic execution capabilities
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing research output
• Advanced knowledge, insight and strategic execution capabilities in the development of the innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation ecosystem
• Established and valuable international networks paired with outstanding stewardship, diplomatic, effective and efficient communication skills to leverage local, Pan-African and global networks
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising external to the university environment
• Outstanding personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills

• Rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa
• Registration with recognised and relevant professional body or council

• The abovementioned position will be offered as a five-year contract appointment, with a commensurate remuneration package, subject to a probation period. The appointment may be renewed for a further term of office subject to performance.

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