Research Director - Opentia Research Unit (PD00008) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Supporting and mentoring research entity members to develop and nurture their capacity as researchers and study leaders. Managing higher degree processes and building the research capacity of higher degree students.
• Management of research by leading and conducting research projects and producing research outputs. Actively seeking for national and international collaborative research networks, as well as external funding opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy Development

• Preparation and implementation of a strategic research plan for the focus area within the research strategy of the University and the Faculty.

Operational Management.

• Jointly accountable with the faculty research team for the successful implementation of the NWU Research and Innovation strategy.

Research and Innovation.

• Establishing and maintaining a sound culture of research and innovation in the Research Entity by leading and providing guidance to staff and students.
• Drawing up and developing funding proposals for third stream income to support research from the Research Entity.
• Organisation and coordination of resources for achievement of goals of the Research Entity.
• Planning and organisation of ways to market the research expertise of the focus area
• Participation in the task agreements of faculty members belonging to the research entity.
• Involved with the planning of staff structures, establishment of positions and the appointment and evaluation of staff involved in the research entity, with the necessary emphasis on diversity, capacity building and supplementing of expertise.
• Implementation of applicable quality promotion and assurance systems and mechanisms to ensure high quality research and higher degree outputs.
• Management of integration with and participation of M and D students in programmes in the focus area / unit.

Community Engagement.

• Drive community engagement initiatives that are integrated with research and innovation with the research entity, aligned to Faculty and University Strategy and Plan.
• Socially responsive local community projects, supportive of faculty objectives and departmental programme content.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in any field of Humanities.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ research management experience as a programme leader or higher level
• A minimum of three (3) years’ postgraduate supervision experience with a minimum of 3 PhD students completed and a minimum of 3 Master students completed

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Expert knowledge and experience in any humanities’ research related fields
• Expert knowledge of inter- and multidisciplinary methodological approaches
• Proven experience in research management of groups
• Proven record in fund-raising and management of donor funding
• Experience in project management

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Proven leadership qualities
• A dynamic and value-driven approach with excellent interrelationship skills
• Proven Management skills
• Open-mindedness