Job Description

Activities and Responsibilities

1.

Programme development and management

Curate, plan and deliver strategically aligned programmes and grants, providing management leadership for MIND's 'programme' pathway and workstreams (fundamental science, application and governance). Programme workstreams may include flagship, core and collaborative research initiatives, events, platforms or networks and facilities, capacity development, or other initiatives

2.

Funding and grant management

Secure and effectively manage funding (restricted and unrestricted) for strategic programmes and contribute to overall institute core sustainability endeavour

3.

Strategy and Impact

Manage programmatic strategic alignment in terms of project and activity implementation, and develop and oversee Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) planning and reporting

4.

Partnerships & Collaboration

Develop and maintain outcomes-driven programmatic partnerships and foster collaboration with researchers, industry partners, academic institutions, thought leaders and other stakeholders towards institute success and impact

5.

Academic leadership

Support the institute's academic and teaching strategic objectives to ensure quality supervision, efficiency, innovation and student success in accordance with the strategic plan and achievement of academic outputs

6.

Talent development and culture

Manage talent (including full lifecycle aspects, such as strategy, acquisition, development, retention, turnover, and succession planning) and relevant work deliverables for researchers, research management and support teams, postdoctoral fellows, and students. Uphold ethical academic and research leadership and compliance with ethical standards



Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Minimum requirements

Advanced degree (PhD) in an academic field relevant to either artificial or natural intelligence

Relevant business or project management training

Research interest: Artificial Intelligence; natural intelligence; theories of intelligence and cognition; biologically-inspired learning mechanisms; intelligent technologies and technological innovation; evolution of intelligence; related policy and governance; models and algorithms in domains such as autonomous decision making and planning, computer vision, language and other foundation models, and probabilistic models; research interest that integrates any of the above with another field or discipline

Outcomes-driven research and academic management experience

Academic research or innovation programme management

Proven track record in strategic planning and operational management of large-scale, resource-complex initiatives

Experience in budget management and resource planning, mobilisation and allocation

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage talent, foster a positive organisational culture, and collaboratively enhance brand reputation

Curation, teaching and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and programmes, including postgraduate supervision

To apply

, please submit a covering letter clearly outlining your skills and experience, indicating the post that you are applying for, together with a CV and the names and contact details of at least three (3) references on the link:


https://wits-enterprise.co.za/vacancies/54393/senior-programme-manager-wits-mind-institute/

For

queries,

contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email
on recruitment.witsenterprise@wits.ac.za

Closing date

: 28 August 2025, close of business

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.





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Work At Home