Deputy Dean: Research, Innovation, Community Engagement & Internationalization (N002680) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To manage the research and innovation, community engagement as well as internationalization activities of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
• The incumbent will also be part of the extensive deanery structure and all the deaneries’ general activities as determined by the annual performance plan of the faculty. 
• He/she will also be responsible for the faculties’ operational activities on the Vanderbijlpark campus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Innovation

• Generate new knowledge through high-quality publications and scientific leadership.
• Developing established and leading, but also inspire and nurture the next generation of researchers.
• Support and sustain an ecosystem for the conducive creation of IP and Commercialisation.
• Improving all research-related processes, including the postgraduate student environment. 

Community Engagement

• Support and collaborate with communities for mutual benefit.
• Develop graduate attributes through community engagement interventions.
• Empower, educate and equip staff regarding Community Engagement activities.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of the university’s community engagement activities.
• Promote sustainability advocacy and awareness in community engagement projects.

Internationalization

• Improve international stature and visibility of scholars and research outputs.

Management

• Manage resources (finance, infrastructure), staff, and stakeholder relations.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD in a relevant discipline offered in the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NQF level 10).
• Membership of appropriate academic and professional networks/societies - desirable.
• Accreditation with SACNASP - desirable.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ academic management experience.
• An all-round academic profile and experience in higher education.
• An NRF-rated researcher (minimum C).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the RSA Higher Education system.
• Well- developed information and communication technology proficiency.
• Data analysis and academic writing.
• Effective interaction with national and international stakeholders involved in natural and agricultural sciences.
• Acceptable knowledge of approaches to student access and support and curriculum design and delivery within the applicable academic fields.
• Aptitude in managing the research- innovation value chain.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Professional work ethic.
• Autonomous, accurate and assertive.
• Responsible, accountable, fair, transparent.
• Good communication (verbally and written) skills; setting up business meetings and appointments.
• Is decisive, able to reach timely decisions and initiate action appropriately.
• Responsiveness. Follows through on commitments, obligations for services.
• Accepts public criticism and responds appropriately.
• Represents FNAS and NWU in a positive and professional manner.
• Uses common sense and good judgment in business transactions.
• Ability to work with internal/external/international collaborators and stakeholders.

Apply by: 9 January 2026