RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Listing reference: nwu_000362
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 25 January 2022
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Gauteng
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: As per level of appointment and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
Introduction
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY: VANDERBIJLPARK CAMPUS
FACULTY/ DIVISION: FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: SCHOOL OF RESEARCH FOCUS AREA: AFROCETRIC GOVERNANCE ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
POSITION NUMBER: NEW POSITION
VACANCY: RESEARCH DIRECTOR
PEROMNES GRADE: A5
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED TERM CONTRACT.
Purpose of the Position:
As required by the NWU statute on research entities the research director of a research focus area is responsible for the management of Higher Degrees, as well as research, research outputs and research capacity development within the research entity. In addition, the director is responsible for supervision of postgraduate students, supporting staff to develop supervision capacity, as well as support higher degree students with research capacity development
Job description
JOB DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Strategy Development
· Preparation and implementation of a strategic research plan for the focus area within the research strategy of the university and the faculty
2. Operational Management
· Planning and application of research entity budget
· Coordination of administrative duties
· Expert guidance, innovation and initiative with regard to research programmes in the focus area
· Preparation of applications and actively trying to obtain funds, facilities and equipment for the focus area through independent initiatives and through activation of researchers’ potential in this regard.
· Organisation and coordination of resources for achievement of goals
· Planning and organisation of ways to market the research expertise of the focus area by entering into income-driven research contracts and undertaking research projects for which there is a market
· Selection of researchers for participation in the programmes in the focus area, and participation in the task agreement planning for these researchers
· Involved with the planning of staff structures, establishment of positions and the appointment and evaluation of staff involved in the focus area, with the necessary emphasis on capacity building and supplementing of expertise
· Implementation of applicable quality promotion and assurance systems and mechanisms to ensure high quality research outputs.
· Management of integration with and participation of M and D students in programmes in the niche area / unit
· Development of a positive image of the niche area through effective liaison and marketing.
3. Community Engagement
· Socially responsive local community projects, supportive of faculty objectives
Minimum requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
· Qualification:
o PhD in Public Management and/or International Relations and/or Political Sciences
· Experience:
o Three (3) to Five (5) years Research Management experience
o Postgraduate Supervision Experience: Minimum of 3 PhD students completed and minimum of 3 MA students completed
ADDED ADVANTAGE & PREFERENCES:
N/A
KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
· Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), email and internet
· Knowledge of research methodology and research field
· Effective time-management skills
· Effective communication skills
· Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various functionally multilingual environments of the NWU
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
· The ability to function well individually and as part of a team/subject group
· Good analytical abilities and innovative thinking, as well as ability to be self-driven
· The ability to solve problems independently
· Good Time-management and problem solving skills
· Good interpersonal relations and a client-service orientation
· The ability to function well individually and as part of a team/subject group
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Prof Mirna Nel on 016 910 3441 or Mirna.Nel@nwu.ac.za
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Montsheng Tsatsane on Montsheng.tsatsane@nwu.ac.za
CLOSING DATE: 24 January 2022
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: ASAP
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website.
Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
