Job Description

Advert reference:

uj_001928

Advert status:

Online

Apply by:

22 April 2025

Position Summary

Industry:

Education & Training

Job category:

Education and Training

Campus:

Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract:

Permanent

Remuneration:

Market Related

EE position:

Open to all

Level:

Senior

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ's mission is "To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge." The University is guided by the vision of building "An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".

Job description

The Johannesburg Business School (JBS) has embraced the Technologies of the future and repositioned itself to equip current and future leaders to deal with the digital transformation resonating throughout the world.

The digital revolution encompasses shifts in the mind-sets and paradigms and change management will be imperative as there is a blurring between the disciples of leadership, engineering and the creative arts globally. JBS is therefore established as a digital business school situated within a globally competitive university ready to address societal developmental needs.

:

This role is responsible for positioning the Centre for Public Policy at the JBS as a global player in policy and governance development. It is also responsible for collaborating with government, industry, and international organisations to influence policy and practice, ensuring the centre remains a leading hub for public policy innovation. This role involves overseeing the centre's research agenda, developing and delivering executive education programs, securing funding through partnerships, and contributing to thought leadership in public policyInnovation (including Entrepreneurship) Technologies of the future Data science Financial Management and Budgeting Sustainability SDG's Societal Impact

Responsibilities:

Liaison with Public Sector and network. Develop and implement the centre's strategic plan in alignment with the business school's vision. Lead initiatives that position the centre as a premier institution for public policy research and executive education. Manage the centre's budget, staffing, and operational functions to ensure sustainability and growth. Drive innovation and thought leadership in public policy discourse. Implement LEAN management principles to enhance efficiency and continuous improvement. Audit critical functions and introduce new processes where necessary to optimize operations. Oversee the recruitment and staffing process to ensure operational needs are met. Ensure compliance with HR policies, maintain personnel records, and manage disciplinary procedures. Address and resolve conflict situations to foster a productive work environment. Mentor and coach direct reports and project teams, fostering professional development and high-performance team dynamics. Provide training and capacity-building initiatives as required. Ensure adherence to institutional policies, HR systems, and governance requirements. Engage with key stakeholders, including government, industry partners, and academia, to strengthen the Centre's influence and partnerships. Design, develop, and oversee executive education programs for policymakers, public sector leaders, and corporate executives. Work with faculty and external experts to deliver world-class executive training. Ensure programmes are cutting-edge, incorporating global best practices and emerging policy challenges. Develop online and blended learning strategies to expand programme reach. Ensure the suite of offerings remains profitable & make key decisions, where necessary, around commencement of new offerings &/or closure of existing non-profitable offerings. Develop a robust marketing strategy for the Public Policy short courses. Interrogate marketing analytics for short courses and re-align the strategy if required. Attend key external events to market the Public Policy Department. Continuously review and develop or adjust the various programmes curricula in conjunction with the Academic Director, PP ProgrammeTeam, Clients, JBS Exec Education & faculty. Build and maintain partnerships with governments, think tanks, and international agencies. Secure funding through grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships. Strengthen relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners. Represent the centre in advisory roles and policy discussions at national and international forums. Establish an advisory board of industry experts and policymakers to guide the centre's activities. Attend & present at relevant national and international conferences & external events. Sit on external committees (when invited & where applicable) to understand the external environment, advise where appropriate & showcase the JBS. Drive high-impact research initiatives on critical public policy issues. Publish policy papers, reports, and articles in top academic and industry journals. Host conferences, seminars, and workshops that bring together policy leaders and academics. Act as a thought leader by engaging in public discourse, media commentary, and panel discussions. Work closely with business school faculty to integrate policy-related content into MBA and executive programmes. Supervise research fellows, postdoctoral scholars, and student projects. Teach select courses or workshops in executive education programmes.

Minimum requirements

A Master's/MBA with proof of registration for a PhD qualification. At least three (3) to five (5) years of management experience in a director-level position required. Strong networks within the private, public and political sectors. Knowledge and experience in public policy and governance in South Africa and beyond. Public Policy design and experience; and Demonstrated ability to build relationships and think critically.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

Exceptional written and oral communication skills and the ability to adapt communication to a range of audiences. Strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to solve problems. Building and maintaining productive relationships. Excellent organisational, planning and multi-tasking skills. The ability to work autonomously with personal drive and energy and to take responsibility and be held accountable for role outcomes. A solid understanding of the higher education environment and adult learning principles and approaches. Excellent attention to detail whilst understanding the bigger picture and being able to communicate the same to senior staff and external stakeholders. Excellent delegation skills. Flexibility, tenacity, resilience and assertiveness; and People Management.

Recommendations:

A completed PhD qualification in the relevant field. Experience in public policy or a government environment.

Enquiries:

Enquiries regarding the job content:

Prof Adri Drotskie on Tel: (011) 559 1774

Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefits:

Mrs Marian Myburgh (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3885


Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.


If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details:

0861 227337/010 140 3099

or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.


Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups.

As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.