Vice-Principal - Research and Postgraduate Education

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa's top research-intensive universities dedicated to producing high-quality research that addresses complex issues. It is one of the highest producers of research and makes a major contribution to postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. It is home to the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. The University has developed a number of research platforms and infrastructure, including the Future Africa Institute and Campus which supports multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is expanding its research partnerships and collaborations across the world.

The University's nine faculties and business school offer a wide spectrum of under- and postgraduate programmes, which are recognised internationally. The University awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred annually by public universities in South Africa.

The University wishes to appoint a Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Education who should be a visionary and dynamic leader who will raise the profile of the University's research-intensive standing, market its research strengths and expertise, oversee fundraising and foster strategic research collaborations and partnerships.

The Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Education is appointed by the Council and is accountable to both the Council and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal for carrying out such duties as delegated to him/her by the Council and Vice-Chancellor and Principal. He/she provides leadership in ensuring that the University realises its objective of being one of the top research institutions on the African continent, being globally competitive and a regional centre for the training of postgraduate students. He/she is responsible for the management and direction of all research (and research-related) activities within the University.

The Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Education is a member of the Executive, who are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and administration of the University.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be required to:

• Ensure that the University has implement a dynamic research plan with clear objectives/goals, strategic and implementations that advance the university's research intensive status;
• Facilitate access by the University research community to state-of-the-art, world-class research infrastructure and the latest developments within disciplines;
• Support the University's research infrastructure and development;
• Develop strategies to promote growth in University revenue to support research and research-related activities, managing the research budget and overseeing research-related fundraising initiatives;
• Oversee the development and revision of research-related policies and research quality assurance;
• Monitor the liability of the University in respect of research projects;
• Oversee all committees or other bodies concerned with research and postgraduate education; and
• Support Deans in the development of young researchers.

The Vice-Principal: Research and Postgraduate Education also plays a leading role in obtaining the expert views of research leaders so as to identify research areas that can be incorporated into the University's research focus areas.

The responsibilities of this position are not necessarily limited to what is outlined above. The incumbent may be required to undertake other duties and tasks as requested by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A doctoral degree;
• A record of at least ten (10) years as an established researcher, with an excellent academic record;
• Five (5) years' experience in a senior management role in a higher education environment;
• A proven track record of at least five (5) years in research management and development;
• Five (5) years' experience of implementing research systems and processes in a higher education or research environment;
• Knowledge of research and innovation systems in South Africa and internationally;
• Peer recognition for leading and implementing high-impact research initiatives at a strategic level;
• An understanding and experience of the national and international landscapes for research funding and support;
• Proven managerial capabilities and management experience at a senior or Executive level at an institution of higher learning;
• The candidate should qualify for appointment as a full professor at the University of Pretoria.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Strong leadership skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Computer and information literacy skills;
• Proven ability and skills in liaising and managing internal and external stakeholders.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A management qualification;
• Exceptional broad-based senior management experience in higher education with a solid background in leading and managing research and postgraduate education;
• A proven track record of research fundraising and participation in national and international research networks, alliances, partnerships and collaborations.

Vice-principals are appointed for a term of five (5) years and external candidates could also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in an appropriate academic department within the University.

The Regulations and Procedure for the Appointment of Vice-Principals are available on www.up.ac.za at Careers@UP (link: Appointment Regulations for Vice-Principals) or may be requested from the Director: Human Resources on +27 12 420 4091.

Candidates must confirm in writing that they accept the applicable University appointment regulations and procedures. Please note that the University may decide to extend the closing date and to undertake further recruitment initiatives.

CLOSING DATE: 7 October 2019

All supporting documentation as listed above must be attached electronically to the application. All applications must be submitted by no later than 16:00 on 7 October 2019.

ENQUIRIES: Letticia Jooste, Tel: 012 420 6921, email: letticia.jooste@up.ac.za .

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 20 December 2019, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.