Clear Director at University of the Witwatersrand

• The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is seeking applicants for the position of Director of the Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA). The Centre is grant- and donor-funded and located under the Wits School of Governance in the Faculty of Commerce, Law & Management. The Centre is an implementing partner of the Global Evaluation Initiative and one of six regional Centres around the Globe with a remit to support the development of local demand for and practice of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Learn more about the Centre at:  https://www.wits.ac.za/clear-aa/

The incumbent will be expected to: 

• Develop a sustainable business model and strategy for the Centre, including developing its relationships with international stakeholders and communities inside and outside the University.
• Manage clients and raise funds to sustain the work of the Centre.
• Engage with decision makers at the highest level across African governments the University and the private sectors, in NGOs and INGOs, multilateral organizations and the international community.
• Manage the implementation of the CLEAR-AA academic and research programme within the University and the School, by providing academic leadership and support for Teaching and Research.
• Develop and maintain high functioning networks and partnerships across the African continent and globally, and with the World Bank, other multilateral organisations, governments, universities, think tanks/M&E centres of excellence, international civil society, professional M&E associations, and other CLEAR centres.
• Ensure the Centre’s highest level of quality services and products to continue  CLEAR-AA’s reputation as a recognisable African brand of global M&E excellence.
• Reporting to the Head of the Wits School of Governance, the Director will strategically lead and manage delivery of the academic, research and M&E support programme for CLEAR-AA. The successful candidate will also ensure delivery of high quality technical advisory services, world-class research and knowledge generation, and a professional approach to programme management and M&E capacity development/ training, collaborating closely with partners and donors.
• The University seeks to appoint a senior academic on a five-year fixed-term, renewable position to lead CLEAR-AA and enhance the University’s footprint to support M&E capacity development, and further develop its teaching and research initiatives in M&E.

Brief Description        
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

• The applicant should have demonstrable experience in the design and implementation of monitoring systems or large-scale evaluations, or a track record in the theoretical aspects of M&E, with experience with the M&E systems of African countries.
• The applicant’s disciplinary background may be as an economist, political scientist, development or governance specialist, health specialist, or work in related fields. 
• The applicant must hold a Masters Degree in a relevant discipline, preferable a Doctorate Degree.
• The applicant should have 10 years’ relevant experience. 

In addition, the applicant will be expected to:

• Have a demonstrated track record in building strong international stakeholder networks and fundraising for complex multi-country  projects.    
• Have ability to attract and secure country projects.
• Have strong project management experience.
• Have experience or transferable skills in training, teaching and/or postgraduate supervision.
• Have an excellent academic track record in research.
• Be involved in academic research and policy advice.
• Be interested in developing and facilitating formal academic programmes and short courses in monitoring and evaluation.
• Have a demonstrated track record in leading and managing teams and motivating staff to perform effectively.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills (fluency in spoken and written English).
• Be willing to travel frequently both locally and internationally when required.

Closing date: 31 August 2025