Latest Openings at University of the Witwatersrand

Department Description        

The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), at the University of the Witwatersrand is a leading human rights law centre that undertakes research, strategic litigation, teaching and public interest advocacy. CALS is looking for an attorney to join the team in our Home, Land, and Rural Democracy programme from 1 April 2024.

Brief Description        

Qualifications, skills, and experience required:

• An LLB or equivalent qualification
• Admitted as an attorney of the High Court or eligible for admission as an attorney.
• Demonstrated experience in human rights research and advocacy
• Proficiency in several South African languages will be an advantage
• Good oral and written communication skills in English

Key responsibilities:

• Contributing to strategic litigation in line with CALS’ vision
• Engaging in advocacy projects in line with CALS’ vision
• Conducting research in support of CALS’ advocacy and litigation
• Representing CALS in civil society forums
• Contributing to the management of organisational partnerships including with social movement partners.
• Contributing to training candidate attorneys and interns

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Brief Description        

The Division of Plastics and Restorative Surgery in the Department of Surgery, invites suitably qualified Joint staff, interested in being part of a dynamic, growing academic division, to apply for this Academic Headship. This position would be suitable for those with a commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment, exceptional interpersonal skills, capacity for innovative and original thinking, ability to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising his/her own responsibilities and a commitment to working to deadlines calmly and efficiently.

Qualifications:

• A medical qualification, registerable with the HPCSA,
• The candidate must be a specialist in Plastic Surgery and a full-time employee within the Wits Teaching platform (Current employees and Joint staff).
• At least 5 years' experience as a Plastic Surgeon,
• At least 5 years’ experience at mid-management level,
• Appropriate teaching and research experience are essential requirements for the position, whereas a PhD would be advantageous.
• The applicant must have demonstrated well-developed proven communication, organizational, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.
• Must have the ability to manage change in the division.
• Management experience, in particular academic activities of postgraduate and undergraduate students is a requirement,
• Be at least at the level of Adjunct or Associate Professor, or qualify to be awarded the academic title, although other Plastic Surgeons, meeting all the above criteria may apply as well.

Duties:

• Lead and manage the discipline across all training facilities,
• Formulate an academic vision and designs and execute both undergraduate and post graduate teaching in line with the vision,
• Strengthen research in the division,
• Provide tools and create an academic environment for optimal teaching and training for all categories of staff (academic and professional) and students, both under – and postgraduate,
• Set teaching, training and research goals in collaboration with other members of the academic and clinical service staff,   
• Formulates assessment tools for all academic programmes,
• Benchmark academic outputs against national performance and identify opportunities to approve,
• Collaborate with clinical heads in improving academic outputs,
• Establish and maintain academic excellence,
• Promote staff development and manage staff performance and assessment within the division,
• Mentor academic and professional staff for promotion in the university,
• Provide support to the divisions that are part of the department,
• Work with divisional heads to ensure sound financial and Human Resources management,
• Encourage collaboration between divisions working across the teaching platforms,
• Chairs academic meetings in the division,
• Attend divisional meetings at each of the academic training facilities,
• Attend division/departmental/faculty and University committee meetings,
• Participate in Faculty Board meetings,
• Contribute to the leadership of cluster A by participating in the management structures,

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Department Description        

The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) is an interdisciplinary research centre located in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand. The SCIS wishes to appoint a researcher in its Public Economy Project (PEP) which generates applied policy research on budget policy, fiscal institutions, and macro-fiscal choices, focusing on the consequences for inequality. The Researcher will be an expert on macro-fiscal policy analyses, contributing towards the building and maintenance of a set of macro-fiscal analytical tools. They will also contribute to research outputs and play a role in the overall implementation of the project. The successful candidate will be flexible, innovative, and proactive with the ability to work in a diverse team.

Brief Description        

REQUIREMENTS:

• At the Researcher level, at least a master’s degree is required for this appointment. It is preferable for the candidate to have a PhD or to be studying towards a PhD.
• Demonstrable experience in supporting research in an academic or policy context, especially with respect to macro-fiscal analysis and debt sustainability modelling.
• Demonstrable project management and administrative skills with an interest in fiscal policy and fiscal institutions.
• Knowledge and experience in research skills (quantitative and qualitative) and financial modelling.
• A high level of motivation and ability to work with limited supervision, including managing different stakeholders.

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Brief Description        

The Division of Reproductive Medicine, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, invites suitably qualified Joint staff, interested in being part of a dynamic, growing academic division, to apply for this Academic Headship. This position would be suitable for those with a   commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment, exceptional interpersonal skills, capacity for innovative and original thinking, ability to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising his/her own responsibilities and a   commitment to working to deadlines calmly and efficiently.

Qualifications:

• A medical qualification, registerable with the HPCSA,
• The candidate must be a specialist in Reproductive Medicine, and a full-time employee within the Wits Teaching platform (Current employees and Joint staff).
• At least 5 years' experience as a Reproductive Medicine,Specialist,
• At least 5 years’ experience at mid-management level,
• Appropriate teaching and research experience are essential requirements for the position, whereas a PhD would be advantageous.
• The applicant must have demonstrated well-developed proven communication, organizational, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.
• Must have the ability to manage change in the division.
• Management experience, in particular academic activities of postgraduate and undergraduate students is a requirement,
• Be at least at the level of Adjunct or Associate Professor, or qualify to be awarded the academic title, although other Reproductive Medicine Specialists, meeting all the above criteria may apply as well.

Duties:

• Lead and manage the discipline across all training facilities,
• Formulate an academic vision and designs and execute both undergraduate and post graduate teaching in line with the vision,
• Strengthen research in the division,
• Provide tools and create an academic environment for optimal teaching and training for all categories of staff (academic and professional) and students, both under – and postgraduate,
• Set teaching, training, and research goals in collaboration with other members of the academic and clinical service staff,   
• Formulates assessment tools for all academic programmes,
• Benchmark academic outputs against national performance and identify opportunities to approve,
• Collaborate with clinical heads in improving academic outputs,
• Establish and maintain academic excellence,
• Promote staff development and manage staff performance and assessment within the division,
• Mentor academic and professional staff for promotion in the university,
• Provide support to the divisions that are part of the department,
• Work with divisional heads to ensure sound financial and Human Resources management,
• Encourage collaboration between divisions working across the teaching platforms,
• Chairs academic meetings in the division,
• Attend divisional meetings at each of the academic training facilities,
• Attend division/departmental/faculty and University committee meetings,
• Participate in Faculty Board meetings,
• Contribute to the leadership, by participating in the management structures,

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Brief Description        

The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, invites suitably qualified Joint staff, interested in being part of a dynamic, growing academic division, to apply for this Academic Headship. This position would be suitable for those with a commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership in a multi-disciplinary environment, exceptional interpersonal skills, capacity for innovative and original thinking, ability to exercise a high degree of personal initiative in organising his/her own responsibilities and a commitment to working to deadlines calmly and efficiently.

Qualifications:

• A medical qualification, registerable with the HPCSA,
• The candidate must be a specialist in Maternal Fetal Medicine, and a full-time employee within the Wits Teaching platform (Current employees and Joint staff).
• At least 5 years' experience as a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist,
• At least 5 years’ experience at mid-management level,
• Appropriate teaching and research experience are essential requirements for the position, whereas a PhD would be advantageous.
• The applicant must have demonstrated well-developed proven communication, organizational, problem solving, leadership and project management skills.
• Must have the ability to manage change in the division.
• Management experience, in particular academic activities of postgraduate and undergraduate students is a requirement,
• Be at least at the level of Adjunct or Associate Professor, or qualify to be awarded the academic title, although other Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists, meeting all the above criteria may apply as well.

Duties:

• Lead and manage the discipline across all training facilities,
• Formulate an academic vision and designs and execute both undergraduate and post graduate teaching in line with the vision,
• Strengthen research in the division,
• Provide tools and create an academic environment for optimal teaching and training for all categories of staff (academic and professional) and students, both under – and postgraduate,
• Set teaching, training, and research goals in collaboration with other members of the academic and clinical service staff,   
• Formulates assessment tools for all academic programmes,
• Benchmark academic outputs against national performance and identify opportunities to approve,
• Collaborate with clinical heads in improving academic outputs,
• Establish and maintain academic excellence,
• Promote staff development and manage staff performance and assessment within the division,
• Mentor academic and professional staff for promotion in the university,
• Provide support to the divisions that are part of the department,
• Work with divisional heads to ensure sound financial and Human Resources management,
• Encourage collaboration between divisions working across the teaching platforms,
• Chairs academic meetings in the division,
• Attend divisional meetings at each of the academic training facilities,
• Attend division/departmental/faculty and University committee meetings,
• Participate in Faculty Board meetings,
• Contribute to the leadership, by participating in the management structures,

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Brief Description        

The University is looking for a new Director for the Wits Research Animal facility (WRAF), to take up the post at the earliest possible date.

The purpose of the WRAF is to house and care for animals, which are used by the University in its duties of teaching and research. A wide range of species is catered for, but numerically rodents and lagomorphs are by far the most numerous. The WRAF is housed in spacious premises in the University’s Medical School and has a sub-unit on the East-Braamfontein campus. The use of animals, captive and free-ranging, for teaching and research purposes is strictly regulated by the University’s Animal Ethics Committees.

The Director has a staff of about 16 reporting to him or her, including a veterinarian, veterinary nurses, animal technicians and attendants.

We are looking for a South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) registered veterinarian who has, most or all, of the following experiences and attributes:

• Familiarity with an academic research environment;
• Experience of managing an internationally recognized animal research facility;
• First-hand experience of the use of animals in teaching and research, preferably including the conducting of his or her own research;
• Experience of working with a wide range of animal species;
• An innovative mindset when dealing with unforeseen experimental problems or outcomes;
• Experience of the management of personnel and budgets;
• An ability to interact amicably with a range of persons, including academic, administrative and maintenance staff, members of the public and animal rights groups.

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Purpose:

The incumbent of this post is responsible for human performance improvement, as related to the management and planning of professional staff development programmes and solutions via the HRDU. S/he is expected to plan, source/develop, manage, coordinate, and evaluate initiatives aimed at developing staff in accordance with the objectives of the over-arching organizational strategy, and related ‘People Development’ priorities and targets.  This applies predominantly to management, professional, administrative, technical, and services staff, with a smaller focus on academic staff.

S/he is expected to proactively drive the implementation of the objectives outlined in HRDU’s operating plan each year and take accountability for the achievement of these objectives. S/he will also be expected to investigate, diagnose, and suggest innovative new learning solutions based on identified needs, and submit proposals to HRDU for these.

Brief Description        

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Conceptualise and plan learning and development solutions to meet the strategic objectives of the broader University, and the Operations Plan of the HRDU, in conjunction with the Head: HRDU.
• Consult with faculties and central units to identify, diagnose, and analyse learning needs and channel the findings into the provision of appropriate learning solutions and activities.
• Lead the compilation of the annual Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR), as required by legislation. 
• Engage with Employee Representatives / Unions to ensure consultation and support, in conjunction with the Head: HRDU.
• Support and enable change management interventions by offering guidance and working in collaboration with line management, faculty HR teams, and affected staffing units.
• Lead wider functional or organisational initiatives that benefit growth, such as career development, management and leadership development, and performance improvement.                            
• Design and develop employee engagement strategies; facilitate communication between employees and work groups; and articulate and embed talent management and leadership principles, values, and competencies that bolster the organization’s culture.
• Demonstrate expertise as a change expert, efficient designer, business advisor, credible strategist, and informed consultant (organisational and sectoral).

Requirements:

• Masters degree - in the fields of Human Resource Development, Organisational Development, Human Performance Improvement, and/or related disciplines.
• At least 6 years of experience as a professional in the field of Human Resource Development, Organisational Development, Human Performance Improvement, and/or related disciplines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good computer skills within the Microsoft Office suite (particularly Microsoft Excel), and other related industry-driven software (e.g. LMS, Oracle)
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to engage constructively with stakeholders to render a solid level of customer service.

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Purpose:

To serve as the Senior Legal Officer in support of the work of the GEO.  This includes receiving and investigating complaints lodged with the GEO, compiling investigative reports, liaising with complainants and accused individuals and coordinating the Office’s disciplinary inquiries in line with the University’s policy on gender related misconduct.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Receiving and investigating complaints of sexual/gender violence, including assault, bullying, harassment, discrimination and other gendered harms. 
• Conducting investigations and producing investigation reports into complaints received at the GEO.
• Coordinating and managing disciplinary inquiries arising within the office.
• Engaging, interpreting and being tuned into processes and policies, and supporting the provision of effective solutions.
• Providing a supportive, understanding and professional service to staff and students in the service of the office.
• Building good relationships with other units/offices within the University, especially where their work intersects with that of the office.  
• Providing support for the preventative/advocacy work of the office, extending and supporting platforms for engaging staff and students. 

Brief Description        

Requirements

• A law degree or equivalent diploma
• At least 3-5 years working experience
• An in-depth understanding of gendered power relations, broader gender dynamics and institutional patriarchy 
• Exceptional investigative skills 
• Exceptional and advanced analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent and empathetic communication skills
• Ability to multi-task, think outside of the box, and be proactive 
• Must have good people skills and be a team player who is willing to learn together with others
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly productive, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Willingness to work overtime when required

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Purpose

To ensure the effective and efficient management of the services provided by the Service Provider at dining halls, through monitoring of the contract ,Service Level agreement, through close liaison with the service provider, and the residence students utilizing the dining halls, the senior liaison officer and the Director of Services as applicable.

Brief Description        

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Give in put in drafting a budget for your area/s of responsibility
• Implementation of Contingency Plans to reduce Financial Risk
• Ensure that Service Delivery within the University serves the Academics, Staff, external customers and Students in implementing the Services Department’s Strategic Goals
• Give input on services to be acquired to the Tender working Committee
• Adherence to the Operational Plan to ensure High Service Delivery
• Conduct Risk Assessments (Cleaning Standards, Machinery and Equipment, Personal Hygiene as well as Food Safety)
• Confirm the approval of meal registration as per CHRL’s (Central Housing Residence Life) approval
• Quarterly menu selection/proposal with the Service Provider
• Give input in development of Standard Operating Procedures in your area of responsibility
• Management of staff as per the University’s HR Policies and Processes
• Effective management of Disciplinary Issues as the University’s Disciplinary Code/Code of Conduct, with the help of HR/ER Office
• Promote diversity and teamwork within you area of responsibility
• Ensure that safety related equipment are serviced well as replacing fire-fighting equipment as and when needed
• Ordering and distribution of PPE and Uniform for all catering personnel
• Arrange food tasting sessions as and when needed
• Consolidate and ensure that all invoices have relevant documentation
• Food safety awareness campaigns
• Planning and coordinating of conferencing as per clients’ and/or delegates’ requirements external and internal clients
• Execution of reasonable instruction by management

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Food Service/Hotel Management Diploma
• Valid Driver’s License
• 3 years in a diverse Catering Operations (Kitchen and Service Operation) Technical Competencies
• Contract Management
• Food Preparation and Service
• Basic Finance Skills
• MS Office
• Event Coordination

Competencies (Knowledge, skills and behavior)

• Communication Skills
• Creativity/Innovation
• Problem Analysis
• Empowering Others
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Work Standards/ Quality Orientation

Compliance/Statutory Requirements (Knowledge, Understanding and or Training)

• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• HACCP
• Foodstuff, Cosmetics & Disinfectant Act
• Any other relevant Legislation and Regulation

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Brief Description        

Responsibilities include the following:

• Assisting project leads and colleagues in general with the coordination of resources, equipment, meetings, and information;
• Onboarding new staff;
• Procuring goods and providing financial administration support;
• Coordinating and organizing events;
• Creating an enabling work environment, ensuring policies, procedures and infrastructure are in place and run smoothly; 
• Coordinating the administration of SCIS with regard to human resources, office management, events and IT.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree, diploma or relevant qualification in office and project management;
• At least 5 years demonstrable experience working in a research or similar kind of organisation;
• They will be highly computer literate  (including Word, Excel and Outlook);
• Familiarity with Oracle and other university systems and an understanding of university systems as a whole is an advantage;
• Excellent communication skills, familiarity with languages spoken in South Africa other than English;
• Attention to detail; professionalism, ability to problem-solve, excellent time management and superb organizational skills;
• They will be highly motivated, able to work with limited supervision and able to manage different stakeholders.

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Purpose:

To serve as the Education Campaign Officer in support of the work of the GEO.  This includes creating, developing, implementing, and participating in advocacy and education strategies for the GEO.

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Developing a plan for effective advocacy across campus. 
• Undertaking sustained and informed proactive advocacy interventions across campus to raise awareness about GBH and to advance gender equality.
• Ensuring that activities planned run smoothly and are effectively implemented.
• Generating reports on advocacy work done.
• Conducting trends analysis and developing advocacy material.
• Actively looking for fundraising opportunities for the office and applying for such opportunities.
• Building good relationships with other units/offices within the University, especially where their work intersects with that of the office.  
• Providing support for the preventative/advocacy work of the office and extending and supporting platforms for engaging staff and students. 
• Networking with other universities and external stakeholders dealing with Gender Based Harm.
• Representing the office at meetings internally and externally.

Requirements

• A postgraduate qualification in social sciences, law or a related field.
• At least 2 years working experience in the social justice sector 
• An in-depth understanding of gendered power relations, broader gender dynamics and institutional patriarchy 
• Exceptional planning skills 
• Exceptional and advanced analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent and empathetic communication skills
• Ability to multi-task, think outside of the box, and be proactive 
• Must have good people skills and be a team player who is willing to learn together with others
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly productive, works well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work overtime when required.

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Introduction

A dynamic, competent, Administrative Assistant is required to assist the BUGEMET Chair in the day-to-day running of BUGEMET and affiliated research projects. This post will involve liaison with staff and students at Wits. A major component will be the administrative and financial management of the BUGEMET, including meeting minutes, assistance with outreach engagement, equipment orders, trip planning, student funding administration and general financial management. This will include financial forecasting and monthly financial reporting.

Brief Description        

Key Responsibilities amongst others:

• To carry out general office administration and secretarial duties related to BUGEMET
• To be responsible for disbursing student stipends and expenses
• To manage financial systems, budget administration and book-keeping (Oracle) for the Wits section of the chair
• To be the lead in the organisation of workshops, short courses, and conferences linked to the chair at Wits
• To liaise with academic staff, students and industry personnel on a regular basis
• To deal with international travel bookings, public relations and transactions (foreign exchange, money transfers, visas, import/export issues) and to assist staff/students/visitors who are not fluent in English with any complexities in this regard
• Interface with various Wits University systems (especially the financial system (Oracle) and personnel (SIMS) in the School of Geosciences, Faculty and the Central Finance Departments),
• Organisation of annual Steering Committee meetings, and minute taking.
• Maintain the website and social media outputs of BUGEMET (in liaison with School geocommunicator)

Minimum requirements

• At least Grade 12 qualification, plus 5 years previous experience, preferably in a University environment
• The applicant must be fully competent with Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) and have had previous relevant experience
• Prior experience working in the Oracle administrative/financial system
• Previous financial experience is essential
• Proficiency in English (oral and written) is essential

Key Competencies:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a virtual team
• Excellent administrative skills in processing the finances for BUGEMET at Wits
• Ability to deal with students from varying nationalities, both in person, electronically, and telephonically
• To be able to collate documentation, undertake word processing, ordering of equipment and stationery, management of research accounts, organisation of travel and accommodation for visitors, staff and students, plus other duties as required  
• Assist with the organisation of workshops and conferences
• Dynamic, responsible, excellent time management and organisation skills