Job Description

Department
University of Venda -> Vice Chancellor and Principal -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Postgraduate Studies
Job Title
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Post Graduate Studies
Post Level
Grade 2
Job Type
Support - Univen Funded
Closing Date
28/2/2025
Job Requirements
The University of Venda situated in Thohoyandou in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province is a fast-growing higher education institution. Over the past years, the University has experienced tremendous growth and change in terms of its research output, student performance, infrastructure and financial management. The university is an important player in the South African higher education landscape, contributing significantly to the human resources and development needs of the country, region and continent.


The University is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Studies. This position forms an integral part of the Executive Management Committee and reports to the Vice Chancellor & Principal.


The University seeks to recruit and appoint a dynamic, visionary, thought leaderwho will provide intellectual leadership and actively support the Vice Chancellor & Principal in the strategic leadership and management of the University relating to thearea of research, community engagement, entrepreneurship, inclusive innovation and commercialisation, knowledge exchange & partnerships, strengthening UNIVEN's postgraduate culture and support to postgraduate students. S/he will be expected to sustain an enabling research culture and continue to build and strengthen UNIVEN's innovation capacity.


Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice-Chancellor & Principal or assigned by the University Council. This is a highly demanding position requiring considerable intellectual flexibility, leadership and managerial abilities as well as identification with the University's value systems in pursuit of the university's transformation objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor and update research and post graduate training policy; Oversee key administrative units that support the research and innovation function; Foster research development in niche areas. Lead the development of commercial knowledge exchange activities; Promote, maintain and monitor standards in research and post graduate supervision across the University; Spread best practice and celebrate achievements in research and knowledge exchange; and manage resources, budget and programmes of the research office.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Full Professor with at least ten (10) years of experience in higher education and proven senior management experience in research, leadership and administration in a reputable institution.


A relevant PhD (or equivalent); An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication record, proven senior leadership experience; 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; Advanced knowledge, insight and strategic execution capabilities in the development of the innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation ecosystem; Outstanding personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills. A proven track record in designing capacity building programmes aimed specifically at producing a new generation of researchers and understanding the challenges related to the retention of young and established researchers within the University.

Recommendations

:


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

LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR THE ABOVE POSITION

.


The University of Venda is seeking an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities, who is an experienced team leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the University involving staff and students and across the institution and with stakeholders.


To provide strategic direction: Judgement; Analytical ability; Conceptual thinking To champion the delivery of greater results: Committing to action; Displaying resilience; Executing assignments To manage self and others: Self-awareness; Building talent; Managing teams To foster productive working relationships: Resourcing projects and assignments; Providing competent and respectful leadership.

APPLICATION PROCESS

An application should be accompanied by the following:


A detailed curriculum vitae including full record of academic management and leadership in research, publications and teaching experience as well as names, telephone, e-mail address of three referees who can confirm experience listed on the motivation and curriculum vitae.
A detailed motivation highlighting their experience in each of the requirements listed above and any additional aspect you would like to bring to the attention of the selection panel.

Interested candidates should apply on-line at www.univen.ac.za (click on vacancies)


Should you need assistance with the application process, please contact the HR team on 015 962 9293 / 9282.


The University of Venda is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of Employment Equity. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Candidates with foreign qualifications will be expected to have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) by the time they submit their application.


The closing date for receipt of applications is 28 February 2025.


Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only.