Vice-Dean: Research, Engagement, and Internationalisation - (1070) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Identify and develop current and future research flagships of the faculty.
• Participate and strive for excellence in all aspects of the core business of the faculty but with specific reference to postgraduate studies and research.
• Take co-responsibility with the Dean to provide effective and appropriate academic direction and to develop and implement the strategic mission of the faculty within the broader University context.
• Take co-responsibility with the Dean to ensure the maintenance of all academic standards for postgraduate programmes in the faculty.
• Take co-responsibility with the Dean to provide effective and appropriate research direction and to develop and implement the strategic mission of the faculty, within the broader university context, with a focus on postgraduate studies and research.
• Take co-responsibility with the Dean in the management of postgraduate student-related matters.
• Support the Dean in obtaining networks, partnerships, and new growth opportunities. 
• Take responsibility for securing strategic collaboration and third-stream income relating to postgraduate bursaries and research.
• Take co-responsibility with the Dean to oversee financial management and financial sustainability of research and postgraduate activities of the faculty.
• Provide leadership on the quality assurance of the postgraduate programme offerings on different sites and the need to shift from competition to collaboration, coherence and regulation.
• Provide research-driven leadership in the faculty in relation to research, engagement and internationalisation.
• Participate in teaching, research, and engaged scholarship.
• Chair the Research Committee of the faculty.
• Participate in committees both at the faculty and university level.
• Act as Dean and report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellor and Principal when the Dean is absent.

Inherent requirements:

• A Doctoral degree on NQF level 10 in any relevant field of Education.
• Five years’ experience on management level.
• Proven experience with supervision of Master and PhD students.
• Proven evidence of publishing in peer reviewed journals.
• Proven record of research grant applications, management, and experience in third-stream income generation. 
• Superior knowledge of research methodology, postgraduate student support, and management of postgraduate programmes and processes
• Proven international recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a particular area of academic scholarship (e.g., regularly serves as a reviewer for international/ISI/IBSS journals).
• Must be appointable as an Associate or full Professor at the University of the Free State.

Recommendation: 

• Demonstrate ability to negotiate, collaborate, communicate and facilitate in complex environments.
• Proven academic stature and research record.
• Knowledgeable about the functioning of the Executive Committee of a faculty.
• Ability to set an overall strategy and drive process improvement.
• Established research leadership and research team-building capacity.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Competencies
Required competencies:
Results Orientated: 

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking: 

• The ability to creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Quality management of programme delivery.

Leading: 

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.

Closing Date

20/8/2023