Senior Manager: Research Ethics & Integrity (P003229) (Re-Advertisement) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To ensure an environment that is conducive to  achievement of high-level research ethics and integrity by facilitating a climate that fosters Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) by all researchers (academics and postgraduate students).
• As research integrity advisor the incumbent will support the faculty management in all matters related to research integrity. The Senior Manager will provide leadership in matters related to research ethics and research integrity and ensure that the Integrated Research Integrity Management System (IRIMS) maximises the quality and robustness of the NWU’s research.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management and Planning:

• Ensure effective planning of the research ethics and integrity administrative component on macro level (mission) and micro level (planning, management and delivery of research ethics and integrity programme).
• Manage research ethics and integrity resources effectively and efficiently to ensure the budget and programme plan objectives are met.
• Provide leadership and management of the NWU Integrated Research Integrity Management System (IRIMS).
• Developing, documenting and maintaining, frameworks and tools for research integrity interventions.
• Management of research ethics and integrity workload and allocation of duties where appropriate.

Management of internal and external stakeholder relationships:

• Manage professional relationships with internal research management stakeholders (Deans, Deputy Deans, Directors, Researcher Ethics Committees).
• Identify and prioritise internal stakeholders according to responsible conduct of research v/s research integrity breaches.
• Detect and use opportunities for meaningful collaboration within and across research integrity systems of the institution.
• Provide research integrity mentorship (advice) and support to faculties.

Management of Responsible Conduct of Research:

• As the Research Integrity Advisor (RIA), support faculty management to foster a climate of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).
• As Research Integrity Officer (RIO), support faculty management to manage breaches in RCR.
• Ensure effective administration related to RI reported breaches on faculty level.
• Identify and anticipate possible RCR risks and risk factors and develop a plan to mitigate these risks.

Training:

• Lead research ethics integrity training initiatives.
• Conduct project reviews to assess outcomes of training interventions/improvements.
• Provide training and guidance to colleagues across the institution to develop research integrity management capabilities.
• Conduct research that models future strategic positioning of research ethics and integrity.

People Management:

• Leave and performance management of personnel in the Research Ethics and Integrity Programme.
• Performance management of temporary staff.
• Participate in recruitment and selection of staff and interns in Research and Postgraduate Support.

Minimum requirements

• A doctoral degree (NQF level 10) OR a master’s degree (NQF level 9) and additional research integrity trainings.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ management experience.
• A minimum  three (3) years’ experience working in a research integrity management environment.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in assessing or investigating breaches in research integrity (i.e. violation of good research practice, non-compliance and research misconduct).
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in research and postgraduate supervision. 

ADDED ADVANTAGE & RECOMMENDATION:

• Legal Appointments.
• Membership with the Southern African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Professional and academic leadership and skills.
• Proven knowledge of the higher education landscape.
• Building networks and maintaining effective liaison with key stakeholders.
• Project Planning & Execution - Develop necessary protocols, manuals and operational guidelines for the strategic projects.
• Sufficient level of technical background to accurately and objectively evaluate project risks.
• Planning, organising, supporting, supervising, disseminating, higher degrees support projects.
• Managing multi-phase projects.
• Proven knowledge of research management.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Organisational and problem solving skills.
• Time management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal skills including mentoring, coaching, collaborating and team building.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage competing demands.
• Negotiation,  innovative and creative skills.
• People management skills and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

Apply by: 13 March 2026