PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to generate significant interest, new challenges are expected in 2026. The AI Hub is strategically positioned to provide guidance to NWU on effectively addressing these emerging challenges and adapting to disruptive technologies in higher education. The AI Innovation Team Lead will need to be adaptable in their approach to support the AI Hub with this task.

The AI Innovation Team Lead is responsible for developing and delivering training programs, conducting research on AI tools, coordinating internal communications regarding AI, supporting administrative functions, and collaborating with various teams and faculties. Additional duties include designing AI courses and curricula, contributing to scholarly research articles on AI, and exploring innovative applications of AI in higher education. The team lead should demonstrate the ability to work independently, show initiative, and support both the AI Director and the AI Hub. This role is integral in ensuring that the AI Hub meets the expectations of all stakeholders at NWU.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Front desk support & communication for the NWU AI Hub

• Contact person for students and staff seeking support with AI-related issues or questions. Must provide information as needed and ensure that the AI Webpage and related AI documents and guidelines are updated continuously.

Training, consultation and support for the use AI tool

• Contact person for students, staff, and faculty integrity committees, for training, consultation, and support in using AI tools. Continuous exploration of AI tools and development of AI toolkits for academics, support staff and students.

Faculty-specific AI training and support

• Advisory role in setting up faculty structures and committees on AI and affect changes as needed. Ensure AI activities and initiatives are increasingly integrated with the work of faculties and support departments.

Training of students, staff and faculty committees

• Training of students, staff and faculty committees for the ethical and responsible use of AI in collaboration with Digital Academy, the Research Support Office and CTL.
• Development of training materials and training (CPD) for staff and students on the use of AI.

Specialised AI research and support

• Participate in research in collaboration with academics on Artificial Intelligence in the TL & Research context to provide specialised guidance and support to the NWU.
• Research how Artificial Intelligence can benefit HE and identify associated risks. Apply for external funding and grants for AI initiatives at the NWU.

Liaison work

• Networking with other universities and organisations in SA and globally about AI in HE. This entails positioning the NWU as a leader in the field and engaging with marketing opportunities for the AI Hub.

• A doctoral degree (NQF level 10) with specialization in Education / IT / Human Resources / Law.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in understanding and use of AI in the HE context – use of these tools as a lecturer or as a teaching assistant.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience at the NWU - exposure to admin systems and processes at the NWU at assistant/admin level.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the roll-out of institution-wide projects.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in applying for external funding and grants.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Project management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence and academic integrity processes and policies of the NWU.
• A proven commitment to teaching and learning, and research, including a willingness to become involved in students’ educational development and well-being.
• A proven record of applying for and managing external funding and grants.
• Knowledge of modern LMS platforms (e.g. whiteboard technology, eFundi, etc.) to enhance the ongoing changes of the learning and collaboration environment.
• Knowledge of the appropriate assessment theory and practice to enhance student performance and academic integrity.
• Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), email and internet.
• Ability to work in collaboration with academics, participate in the conducting and publishing of peer-reviewed, accredited academic research, as well as to present findings at conferences, in the field of AI in Higher Education.
• Ability to administer online support, involving large numbers of students.
• Relevant leadership and management experience.
• Staying abreast of developments in Artificial Intelligence and its implications for TL. 
• 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.
• Effective time-management skills.
• Effective communication skills, good interpersonal relations and client-service orientation.
• Good planning and organising skills, as well as good report writing skills.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Being able to work under pressure and independently.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Anné Verhoef on Anne.Verhoef@nwu.ac.za

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Goitsemang Ntsoelengoe on 018 299 2752

CLOSING DATE: 10 April 2026                                                                                                   

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible 

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.

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