Academic Head of Department at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        

• We seek a distinguished academic leader and expert in obstetrics and gynaecology or one of its subspecialties who demonstrates excellence across clinical service, teaching, research, and academic administration. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, drive innovation, and foster a culture of excellence aligned with the strategic goals of the University of the Witwatersrand, the School of Clinical Medicine, and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and academic leadership to position the department as a centre of excellence.
• Develop, implement, and monitor academic programmes aligned with the university’s teaching and learning strategy.
• Oversee curriculum development, ensure high-quality teaching, and maintain rigorous academic standards.
• Promote and grow research activity, foster partnerships, and support postgraduate supervision and research training.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture through transparent decision-making and active consultation with staff.
• Manage human, financial, and infrastructural resources efficiently to achieve departmental and school goals.
• Represent the department within the School Executive Committee and participate actively in broader faculty governance.
• Promote stakeholder engagement, social responsibility, and academic collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Provide support and oversight to academic divisions within the department.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical and teaching platforms.
• Uphold service delivery standards and quality assurance across all department activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Registration as a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• At least 10 years’ experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, with demonstrated academic and clinical leadership.
• Proven research excellence, including a PhD or substantial publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Significant experience in university administration at a senior level.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, manage change, and build academic capacity.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills.
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor, or Full Professor per Wits academic criteria.