University of the Witwatersrand Director Jobs in South Africa
University of the Witwatersrand Director Jobs in South Africa
Brief Description: The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences and our partner networks are building a stronger future for the Centre to be the global leader in palaeosciences.
Along with our academic partners (University of the Witwatersrand – host, University of Cape Town, Rhodes University, University of the Free State, and the University of Pretoria) and museum partners (Iziko Museum, Ditsong Museum, Albany Museum, National Museum), the Centre has the responsibility of strengthening palaeoscience capacity in South Africa.
In this regard, the Centre works with multiple stakeholders in academic institutions, museums, government, tourism, communication agencies, and the public to advance this purpose.
Due to South Africa’s geographic advantage of and rich and time extensive fossil heritage extending from the origin of life to the origin of humanity, the Centre supports the study of the evolution of current and previously living things including, but not limited to, single-cell organisms, early mammals, dinosaurs, humankind and plants.
Brief Description
Job Summary
The University is seeking to appoint a suitably qualified person as Director of the Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences for a fixed period of three (3) years, renewable subject to continuing grant success.
The Director will lead the Centre that combines a broad outlook, understanding of the intertwined nature of the multiple disciplines and innovation that drive big questions in palaeosciences.
The incumbent must have strong management skills to drive a dynamic network with a global reach.
The Director provides strategic leadership and oversees the management of the Centre, which fulfils its role through a combination of capacitation of research; provide advisory support, training, outreach, and engagement with the public. The Director will drive the strategic plans and find funding for a sustainable future for palaeosciences in South Africa.
Reporting to the DVC of Research, the Director will strategically lead and manage the delivery of sustainable solutions to execute a dynamic programme for CoE Palaeosciences. The successful candidate will be expected to translate the Centre vision and strategy into the delivery of high-quality advisory services, world-class research and knowledge generation, and a professional approach to programme management and capacity development/
training, collaborating closely with partners and donors.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Applicants should have completed a PhD in a discipline or be a specialist in an area related to the activities of the Centre and must provide evidence of significant professional and scholarly achievements
The successful appointee will be of high national and international standing
The applicant should have demonstrable and extensive experience in strategic leadership of a multidisciplinary research organisation
The applicants should have at least 5 years relevant experience, both in the area of palaeoscience research and in a leadership position
Have a demonstrated track record in fundraising for complex multi-country research projects
Be involved in academic research and policy advice
Have a good understanding of the palaeoscience potential of southern Africa to identify areas to develop to achieve the full potential of the southern African palaeoscience heritage
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills (fluency in English and another official South Africa language would be an advantage)
Be willing to travel both locally and internationally when required
Duties:
Develop a sustainable business model and strategy for the Centre, including developing its relationships with communities inside and outside the University
Place the Centre on a path to becoming a National Institute
Maintain, develop and nurture networks, external and internal partnerships, and relationships with affiliates who support the Centre’s goals
Engage with decision-makers at the highest level across Government, University and the private sectors, in NGOs and INGOs, multilateral organisations and the international community
Develop and maintain high functioning networks and partnerships across the African continent and globally, and with other multilateral organisations, governments, universities, think tanks, Centres of Excellence, international civil society, professional Palaeosciences associations, and other CoE Palaeosciences Partners
Develop training opportunities in the palaeosciences for undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Strategically develop palaeotourism, outreach and commity engagement in the palaeosciences.
Manage and raise additional funds to advance southern African palaeoscience endeavour into the future
Ensure the Centre’s highest level of quality grants and services to establish CoE Palaeo as a recognisable African brand of global excellence
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; University of the Witwatersrand Director Jobs in South Africa
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