PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To lead and manage the University’s data and information governance services by ensuring the implementation of appropriate governance frameworks, standards, systems and controls for data, information, records, archives and museum services; to promote the ethical, effective and compliant governance of data, information and related technology in line with King V Principle 10; to strengthen data quality, privacy and the protection of the confidentiality, integrity and availability of institutional information; and to provide strategic guidance regarding data and information governance that enables sound decision-making, accountability and institutional effectiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.           Strategic leadership in data and information management

·                 Provide strategic leadership for enterprise data and information governance aligned with institutional strategy.

·                 Advise the Registrar, executive management and governance structures on data governance, analytics governance and responsible AI use.

·                 Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders (faculties, regulators, partners).

·                 Collaborate with executive leadership to enable data-driven institutional transformation.

·                 Position information and data as a strategic asset across academic and operational domains.

2.           Data and information governance and legislative compliance.

•                          Lead the implementation and monitoring of the Data and Information Governance Framework, policies, standards and procedures in support of King V Principle 10 on data, information and technology governance.

•                          Oversee the ethical, effective and compliant management and control of data and information across their lifecycle, including acquisition, creation, use, dissemination, retention and disposal.

•                          Ensure appropriate classification, privacy, quality, security and confidentiality, integrity and availability controls for information assets, and oversee compliance with PAIA, POPIA and other applicable legislation.

•                          Align information and data governance with cybersecurity and identity governance controls.

3.           Data and information governance and programme management.

·       Lead the Information and Data Office operating model.

·       Implement a Data Governance Working Group (DGWG)

·       Establish governance frameworks for:

·       Data quality

·       Metadata

·       Master data

·       Data lifecycle management

·       Information

·       Promote Data and information ownership, stewardship, standardisation and responsible use

·       Provide governance coordination with IT, Internal Audit, Risk, and Legal 

4.           Records, archives and museum services management and strategic leadership 

•                          Provide strategic oversight of records, archives and museum services in accordance with institutional policy and legal requirements.

•                          Ensure effective lifecycle management, preservation, access, digitisation and disposal of institutional records and heritage assets.

•                          Promote service improvement and standardisation across campuses

     5.  Assurance, monitoring and reporting

•                          Develop and present governance and management reports, assurance information and recommendations to management, committees and other governance structures.

•                          Monitor trends, developments and emerging risks in the governance environment and recommend appropriate responses.

•                          Support internal and external audits, assessments and reviews relevant to the function.

•                          Lead value realisation frameworks.

      6. Risk, compliance and financial management

•                          Participate in and support an integrated risk and compliance management approach for the function.

•                          Ensure the identification and management of operational, compliance, information-related risks and AI-related risks.

•                          Plan, manage and monitor the financial and other resources of the department in accordance with university policies and guidelines.

7.  People management

•                          Create an enabling environment through effective leadership, clear direction and alignment with University values and culture.

•                          Lead, manage and develop staff to enhance performance, cohesion and service delivery.

•                          Contribute to workforce planning, transformation and culture improvement initiatives within the department.

•                          Drive enterprise data literacy and digital competency programmes.

•                          Drive information governance awareness programmes

•                          Lead organisational change management to enable data-driven culture.

•                          A master’s degree in Information Governance, Information Science, Records Management, Data Governance, Information Systems, Business Administration, Law or a related field (NQF level 9).

•                          A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a strategic, middle-management, or senior-management role.

•                          A minimum of five (5) years’ significant experience in higher education or similarly complex environment.

•                          A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in people, project and resource management.

•                          A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in data and information governance services.

•                          Eligibility to serve, where required, as a designated or delegated information governance lead and/or Deputy Information Officer in support of statutory compliance.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

•                          Relevant privacy, records, governance, audit, risk, information security or data management certification

•                          Relevant membership of, or active participation in, relevant professional bodies or forums related to information governance, records management, privacy, risk management, compliance, audit, information security, or data management.

•                          KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

•                          Advanced knowledge of information governance, data governance, records management and privacy legislation.

•                          Knowledge of relevant standards, governance principles and institutional policy frameworks, including King V Principle 10 on data, information and technology governance.

•                          Ability to develop and implement strategies, frameworks, standards and controls.

•                          Strong reporting, advisory, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.

•                          Good understanding of risk management, compliance, audit and digital enablement.

•                          Computer literacy and the ability to work with governance systems and reporting tools.

•                          Knowledge of relevant standards, governance principles and institutional policy frameworks.

•                          Ability to develop and implement strategies, frameworks, standards and controls.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

•                          Leadership skills.

•                          Communication and interpersonal skills,

•                          Planning and organizing.

•                          Analytical thinking and problem-solving.

•                          Resilience and adaptability.

•                          Integrity, accountability and sound judgement.

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 Hennie Goede 018 285 2496

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

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                              3 July 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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