Director at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        

• The University seeks to appoint a visionary leader of the Wits Mining Institute on a five-year fixed-term contract.  
• A possible renewal for a second five-year term will be dependent on performance and availability of funding.  
• A suitably qualified person will fill the vacant position of Director of the Wits Mining Institute at a Senior Lecturer or Adjunct Professor level.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD in an area of research aligned to the objectives of the Institute and extensive experience in fund-raising are a requirement.  
• Other advantages that would be considered include – Registration as a Professional Engineer or Professional Natural Scientist; a good track record demonstrating financial acumen;  a good publication track record; supervision and/or examination of postgraduate MSc and PhD students; experience in developing and maintaining strong links with partners, nationally/internationally/within the university systems and industry; appropriate stature with the university community and the wider community in the field. 

DUTIES:

• Leading and directing the Institute research activities.  
• Provide oversight and support to the various Research Centres within the Institute.  
• Liaising with Schools and Faculties within the University, external funders, donors, enterprises, and institutions including setting up and managing contractual arrangements.  
• Taking responsibility for the funding and sustainability of the Institute as a wholly externally funded entity.  
• Managing the finances of the Institute and ensuring that funds received from any sources are used for the purpose which they were provided for.
• Compiling reports on the activities of the Institute for various stakeholders, including partners and University Committees.  
• Ensuring adherence to acceptable accounting practices and submit any or all of the financial activities of the Institute to audit whenever appropriate.
• Drawing together researchers from multiple disciplines and contributing to leading-edge research.
• Identifying and addressing real challenges facing the mining industry.
• Playing an advocacy role for the Institute inside the University, as well as externally.