Jobs at University of Kwazulu Natal

Introduction

The language Researcher shall have excellent communicative skills in both English and isiZulu. She/he shall have excellent writing skills in both English and isiZulu.

Job description

She/he will:

• Develop critical research tools and manuals to enable the collection, collation and storage of data for corpus and terminology developments
• Provide critical data analysis and development of reports on all ULPDO projects
• Develop research on language policy and planning within the South African context
• Organise fieldwork, workshops, seminars, colloquia on corpus and terminology development, language policy in higher education, and the intellectualisation of African indigenous languages
• Publish articles on language policy and language development in DoHET accredited journals commensurate with his/her grade

Minimum requirements

• MA Degree or Equivalent: African Languages, Language Practice, Language Research and Linguistics
• Knowledge in Research, Language Policy and Planning
• Knowledge in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, etc
• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience

Advantages:

• PhD studies in African languages, Language Practice, Language Planning/Sociolinguistics or Linguistics

Apply by: 10 April 2026

go to method of application »

Job description

• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research, Innovation and Commercialisation provides intellectual leadership and vision for the University in the area of research, innovation and knowledge exchange. S/he will be expected to lead the development and implementation of the University’s overall strategy to meet its goal of pre-eminence in research. This entails building a research ethos that fosters excellence, encourages novel ideas, supports young researchers, and nurtures postgraduate students in order to be a pre-eminent producer of new knowledge both locally and globally, and defines UKZN as the premier university of African scholarship.
• The Libraries that provide critical support services for research fall within this portfolio, as does the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press and UKZN InQubate. This is a highly demanding position requiring a thorough understanding of research, considerable intellectual flexibility, leadership and managerial abilities, and alignment with the University’s values.

Minimum requirements

• PhD/Doctorate
• A Full Professor for five years with experience in an academic/research leadership role.
• An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication and research record to engender respect and credibility from within the University, international scholars and other relevant external bodies
• A distinguished research background having published highly cited papers in peer-reviewed journals
• A successful track record in devising and implementing strategic change and strategies for growth as well as driving organisational development and effectiveness
• Evidence of successful networking and collaboration with external partners and research funding agencies
• A track record of personal excellence in leading and managing a large and diverse staff complement
• Excellence project management skills with strong evidence of successful large scale project delivery
• A demonstrable record of leadership and management capabilities having worked with researchers, policy makers, community leaders and leaders of the private sector
• Experience of constructing research partnerships which span national research system: universities, science councils, private sector laboratories and government research agencies; and the ability to represent the University in national and global forums about research and research development
• A proven track record in designing capacity building programmes aimed specifically at producing a new generation of researchers and understanding the challenges related to the retention of young and established researchers within the University
• Experience in working with all the various academic and administrative functions, especially research and both at the levels of policy and implementation
• Knowledge and understanding of Higher Education environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of all laws, regulations, and policies, including but not limited to clinical trial agreement, research ethics and intellectual property
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of academic research environment and current issues in research administration, policy and funding
• A thorough knowledge of South Africa’s science and technology systems, particularly the role of Universities in the creation of knowledge related to development imperatives confronting South Africa.
• Ecosystem: Oversee and support the research enterprise, entrepreneurship among staff and students, technology transfer, and commercialization to turn knowledge into economic or social impact. This will include oversight of the technology transfer activities, and in particular, providing leadership to the university's intellectual property management and the creation and management of spin-off companies.
• Strategic Leadership: Formulating and driving the institution's innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization strategies to enhance research output.
• Partnerships & Engagement: Building relationships with industry, government, and funding agencies to foster collaborations and increase external research income, as well as enhance

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES 

• Strong interpersonal capabilities, an institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the University involving staff and students, and across the institution and with stakeholders. In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:
• To provide strategic direction by exercising good judgment, demonstrating excellent analytical ability, and conceptual thinking.
• To champion the delivery of greater results by committing to action, displaying resistance, and executing assignments.
• To manage self and others, demonstrate self-awareness, build talent, and ability to manage diverse teams.
• To foster productive working relationships by resourcing projects and assignments,
• And living University Values – R.E.A.C.H.T ( Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, and Honesty)

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 April 2026

go to method of application »

Job description

• The current context of Higher Education in South Africa is seeing an increasing focus on the student voice, with funding pressures and competition at a new level. Demonstrating the value of a particular university’s degree and overall offering is becoming increasingly critical. In response to this, the University has developed a strategic approach to handling the entire student life cycle that is building on its strengths and positioning it as a leader in the sector.
• The role of Executive Director (Student Services) will be to oversee the full student life cycle at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, leading on relevant areas including the whole of the student pastoral journey, including student residential life, extracurricular engagement, and student innovations

The Executive Director (Student Services):

• manages the administration of the Directorate of Students Services (SSD) for the University of KwaZulu-Natal,
• serves as an advocate for students, and
• shares information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties that promote student success, and wellbeing.
• The incumbent is a full member of the senior leadership team, serves on the Executive Management Committee, and reports to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. With other members of the Executive Management Committee, the Executive Director- Student Services will lead the creation of a culture of learning and engagement for UKZN students by applying student development theories and learning outcomes that promote students' academic and personal success, thereby increasing UKZN student employability.

Minimum requirements

• A Master's Degree in a Discipline that is recognised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Fifteen (15) years of relevant and appropriate experience, of which eight (8) need to have been at a Senior management level.       
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of student funding, financial aid,
• Student discipline, student accommodation, and student wellness programmes.
• Experience of interaction with student governance in higher education and an
• Understanding of student culture in a transforming institution.

PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

• The incumbent must be an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities who is an institutional leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the Colleges and Professional Services Sector involving staff across the institution and with stakeholders.

In addition, s/he would be expected to have:

• the ability to inspire and motivate;
• proven capabilities as a team leader;
• good negotiating skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness;
• outstanding written and oral communication skills for written work, public relations, networking, and team building;
• the ability to make considered, well-balanced and reasoned decisions;
• an inclusive and collegial management style;
• the ability to represent the University at formal events and meetings with outside bodies and to establish relationships with stakeholders;
• the ability to understand developments in the Higher Education arena, both nationally and internationally, and a high regard for learning and teaching practices, scholarship, and research.
• The ability to communicate in IsiZulu would be advantageous.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 April 2026

go to method of application »

Job description

• The Executive Director: Human Resources is responsible for the provision of strategic leadership in the implementation of the University’s human resource strategy, and in linking human resource management with organisational strategy. 
• The Executive Director: Human Resources manages the University’s Human Resources Division, including the Division’s budget, and will oversee a full range of human resources functions, such as Employee Relations, Human Resources, and Organisational Development and Reward Services.
• The University of KwaZulu-Natal strives to establish the University as an Employer of Choice in the South African Higher Education Sector and the Executive Director Human Resources will be responsible for ensuring the implementation and alignment of human resources policy and strategy to achieve this objective, by the creation and maintaining of an organisational culture of inclusivity, belonging, diversity, equity, employee engagement and wellbeing.

Minimum requirements

• An appropriate Master’s Degree. (i.e Industrial Psychology, Human Resources Management)
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 years must have been at a senior management or executive management level in Human Resources.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to human resources within the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Knowledge of all employment related and other legislation impacting on the tertiary education sector within South Africa.
• Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic work environment.
• Experience of project management where innovative HR solutions have been delivered both personally and through delegating, mentoring and supporting others.
• Demonstrated experience of successfully consulting and negotiating with trade unions.
• Experience in change management and advocacy.
• Understanding of HR database systems and other technological systems which enhance the management and provision of HR services.
• The ability to effectively analyse workforce data, statistics for benchmarking, auditing, modelling and forecasting to support workforce and human resource planning

 PERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES:

• The incumbent must be a person with exceptional interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and impeccable ethics; who is an institutional leader who leads by example and is able to foster strong interpersonal working relationships within Organised Labour; who gives leadership to management and staff within the Academic and Support College environments; and capably engages all external University Stakeholders.
• In addition to the above attributes, the Incumbent must have the following:
• An ability to provide strategic human resource direction to the Colleges.
• Sound judgement, above average analytical ability and a conceptual thinker.
• A champion to deliver above average results, by being committing to action, displaying resilience in the face of challenges and diligently executing assignments.
• Exceptional self- and people-management skills.
• Capable and committed to self-awareness and self-correction, developing people talent, team management and fostering productive working relationships.
• Respect for confidentiality and is trustworthy.
• Hold relevant business and administrative management acumen.
• Capability to undertake/manage strategic projects and assignments.
• Provide competent, respectful and ethical leadership.
• Puts into practice and embody the University Values - R.E.A.C.HT. (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty and Trust).

ADVANTAGES:

• The ability to communicate in IsiZulu.
• A registered member of the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP) and/or the Institute of Personnel Management South Africa (IPM)

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 April 2026

go to method of application »

Job description

• The School of Commerce is organised into the disciplines of Accountancy, Economics, Finance and Management
• The Dean and Head of School is part of the College Leadership and Management Team and reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College although s/he ultimately represents Senate and Council mandates

Minimum requirements

• Professor/Associate Professor
• PhD/Doctoral Degree in a discipline relevant to the School
• Evidence of established academic leadership and scholarship with an excellent publication and research record, and proven excellence in teaching and learning at a level that currently does/will attract respect and credibility from within the University, international scholars and other relevant external bodies; and
• Three (3) years’ experience in management and leadership of a School and/or Faculty or Research Unit/Centre of comparable size and complexity
• A track record of attracting competitive research grants

Desired/ Essential Skills

• Excellent communications skills
• Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills
• Understanding of the higher education environment in South Africa and the relevant legislation
• Evidence of good knowledge of the SA academic and higher education environment