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WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY (WSU)
DIRECTOR : RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Listing reference: wsu_000055
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 29 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: Directors and Chief Executives
Location: Mthatha
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
About our company
Walter Sisulu is a multi-campus, comprehensive University, with its seat at its Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha. The University has four campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani.
Introduction
Applications are hereby invited for the following Institutional position.
Job description
DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH & INTERNATIONALIZATION
DIRECTOR: RESEARCH & INNOVATION
PEROMNES P5, 5-YEAR CONTRACT
REF NO: WSU INST 2026/35
The Office of the Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation invite applications from dynamic, visionary leaders for the position of Director: Research and Innovation Department. This senior role will be responsible for spearheading WSU’s research strategy, fostering an environment that enhances innovation, collaboration, and impactful research outputs in alignment with WSU’s Vision 2030. This role will drive the University’s research excellence, align initiatives with institutional and national strategic goals, and establish Walter Sisulu University as a key contributor to knowledge creation, dissemination, and application across diverse fields.
Key Performance Areas:
- Develop and implement WSU’s research and innovation strategies in alignment with institutional goals, including the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.
- Establish initiatives to enhance research capacity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Promote a culture of research excellence and innovation among faculties, researchers and students.
- Lead programs in innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization, promoting university-industry partnerships.
- In partnership with the faculties and institutes, drive or support initiatives to realize the University's Strategic Plans.
- Secure external funding and ensure effective grant management to support research excellence.
- Maintain high standards in research ethics, quality assessment, and compliance with legal and intellectual property frameworks.
- Represent WSU’s research interests with government, industry, and academic networks, enhancing collaboration and resource mobilization.
- Promote and advance excellence in research and innovation.
- Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.
Minimum requirements
Qualifications:
- A PhD/Doctorate in a relevant academic field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years in higher education or research institution, including at least 5 years in a leadership role involving academic research.
- Proven track record in managing large-scale research projects and securing research funding.
- Strong leadership, strategic vision, and communication skills to support the academic community and leadership in the University's drive to deliver cutting-edge research and innovation.
- In-depth knowledge of research ethics, funding mechanisms, and intellectual property rights.
- Sound knowledge of, insight into, and vision of the Higher Education Sector-Research and Innovation landscape, nationally, regionally and internationally.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strategic leadership and collaborative decision-making abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective engagement with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Financial management and budget allocation experience.
- Strong knowledge of South African higher education regulations.
- High-level research acumen with an ability to support research funding applications.
- Building strategic alliances and partnerships.
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacanciesand comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
DIRECTOR: HR CLIENT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS
Listing reference: wsu_000056
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 29 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: Directors and Chief Executives
Location: East London
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
About our company
Walter Sisulu is a multi-campus, comprehensive University, with its seat at its Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha. The University has four campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani.
Introduction
Applications are hereby invited for the following Institutional position.
Job description
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
DIRECTOR: HR CLIENT SERVICES & OPERATIONS
PEROMNES P5, 5-YEAR CONTRACT
REF NO: WSU INST 2026/41
The Director of HR Client Services & Operations at Walter Sisulu is a Senior Leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources operations, client services and staff planning within the university. This role plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, programs and initiatives to support the university's mission, vision, and strategic goals. The Director will lead the HRBP teams and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure effective HR service delivery, talent management, employee relations, compliance, and operational excellence.
Key Performance Areas:
- Provide leadership in strategic HR business partnering and HR advisory services
- HR client services, client engagement and relationship management
- HR team leadership & capacity development
- HR governance, compliance & risk management
- Employee & labour Relations
- Financial & resource management
- Membership of the HR management team
- · HR policy development, review, implementation & compliance management
Minimum requirements
Qualifications:
- A relevant NQF 8 qualification/degree preferably in the fields of Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, Business Management, Commerce or a relevant discipline.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years’ broad experience in HR, of which a minimum of 5 years should be at a management level in a large-scale, complex HR generalist environment, preferably within higher education.
Skills and Competencies required:
- Strong knowledge of HR principles, practices and legal requirements in South Africa
- Demonstrated experience in strategic HR planning and talent management.
- Extensive human resource management experience in a unionised environment
- Experience of managing, leading and developing professional HR teams within a complex and dynamic working environment
- Experience of delivering measurable and visible improvements in HR service quality and fostering a strong customer service ethic
- Strategic planning skills and ability to apply strategic concepts in the development of successful Human Resource solutions.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and drive change initiatives.
- Proficiency in HRIS and data analytics tools.
- Ability to manage employee data, utilising an automated human resources information system.
- Experience of analysing, using and presenting complex people information in a variety of formats to a range of audiences
- Strong data management and reporting skills.
- Strong working knowledge of MS Excel and Word software.
- Advanced analytical, evaluative, and objective critical thinking skills and the ability to effectively summarise and present information.
- Employee development and performance management skills.
- Ability to supervise and train employees, including organising, prioritising, and scheduling work assignments.
- Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
- Good working knowledge of Financial Management and Risk Management processes and frameworks
- Strategic capability (policy/process design & formulation) and outlook
- Project management experience where innovative HR solutions have been delivered, both personally and through others
- Experience in leading through change and knowledge of change management principles and methodologies in a complex environment
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacanciesand comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
SENIOR DIRECTOR: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
Listing reference: wsu_000057
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 29 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: Directors and Chief Executives
Location: East London
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
About our company
Walter Sisulu is a multi-campus, comprehensive University, with its seat at its Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha. The University has four campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani.
Introduction
Applications are hereby invited for the following Institutional position.
Job description
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
SENIOR DIRECTOR: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
PEROMNES P4, 5-YEAR CONTRACT
REF NO: WSU INST 2026/001
iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu wishes to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced candidate to the position of Senior Director: Marketing and Communication, to provide leadership to the department and to develop marketing and communication strategies that will assist the university in achieving its mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.
Key Performance Areas:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Strategic Development and Execution focusing on strategic priorities of the department and internalizing institutional and performance culture.
- Policy and Procedure Development.
- Marketing and Communication, managing media relations and communication.
- Developing, implementing, managing, and monitoring student recruitment targets.
- Implementing quality assurance standards, internally and externally and managing related risks.
- Managing the department’s human resources, the budget and SHE compliance.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and providing strategic and operational reports.
Minimum requirements
- Postgraduate degree at Honours Level (NQF level 8) in Public Relations, Communication and / or Marketing.
- At least ten years’ experience in any of the key functional areas, of which five years’ experience must be in managerial role.
- Exposure to the tertiary environment is also recommended.
Required Competencies:
- Technical / professional knowledge and skills.
- Strategic planning.
- Budget and financial management.
- People management, including performance management.
- Building strategic alliances and partnerships.
- Management of transformation and change.
- Personal impact, stature, and credibility.
- Emotional intelligence and political sensitivity.
- Risk management.
- Corporate governance.
- Health and safety management.
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacanciesand comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR / PROFESSOR: VISUAL ARTS - DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS
Listing reference: wsu_000058
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 26 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Mthatha
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
About our company
Walter Sisulu is a multi-campus, comprehensive University, with its seat at its Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha. The University has four campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani.
Introduction
Applications are hereby invited for the following position based in Mthatha Campus.
Job description
FACULTY OF LAW, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR: VISUAL ARTS
P6/P5 PERMANENT
REF NO: WSU MTH EXT 2026/08
Key Performance Areas:
- Promoting academic excellence in teaching and research
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Overall Departmental Strategy development and execution
- Undertake research and supervise postgraduate research projects.
- Mentor junior academics and emerging researchers in Community Engagements projects and/ or proof of mentor them in research and/or teaching duties.
- Initiate and oversee community engagement projects, partnership and collaboration and initiative short learning programs.
- Publish results of Community Engagement projects
- Lead and manage Curriculum/ programme development and quality assurance in the discipline and the department, faculty and institutionally.
- Serve as external moderator and examiner of Master and Doctoral research projects nationally and internationally.
- Supervision or co-supervision of higher degree students i.e. Masters and PhD students
Minimum requirements
Minimum Requirements for Associate Professor:
Qualifications:
- PhD in Visual Art or Fine Art
Experience:
- Minimum of eight (8) years of lecturing experience in a university (tertiary level) in the field of Visual Arts with a proven experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Evidence of at least six (6) research output units in the previous five (5) years produced and already published in DHET accredited journals since the last promotion or appointment to current position.
- NRF C Rating or
- Evidence of sustained publication record and ability to apply for NFR rating within the next cycle of applications.
- Evidence of successfully completed master’s research supervision.
- Evidence of successfully completed doctoral supervision will be added advantage.
- Evidence of community engagement initiatives at local and regional levels.
- Proven track record of securing research grants to support academic and research initiatives.
- Evidence of curriculum development involvement
- Evidence of academic leadership roles previously held.
Minimum Requirements for Professor:
Qualifications:
- PhD in Visual Art or Fine Art
Experience:
- Minimum of ten (10) years of lecturing experience in a university (tertiary level) in the field of Visual Arts.
- Evidence of at least seven (7) research output units in the previous five (5) years produced and already published in DHET accredited journals since the last promotion or appointment to current position.
- Proof of successfully completed Doctoral research supervision.
- NRF C Rating
- Evidence of community engagement initiatives at local and regional levels.
- Evidence of research grant funding for academic projects
- Evidence of curriculum development involvement
- Evidence of academic leadership roles previously held.
Skills and Competencies Required:
- Assessment and moderation of student learning
- Competence in curriculum development and updating course materials.
- Proficiency in using the computer, Microsoft office and other relevant software packages.
- Sound interpersonal and communication skills, including a commitment to collegiality.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Capacity and willingness to assume leadership positions on projects outside the department.
- Risk and change management.
- Building strategic alliances
- Emotional intelligence and political sensitivity
- Ability to work with students and lecturers towards professional development.
- Good Research skills
- Technical/Professional knowledge and skills.
- Decision-making and problem solving.
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacanciesand comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 26 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
PROFESSIONAL NURSE - DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Listing reference: wsu_000059
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 25 June 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Mthatha
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
About our company
Walter Sisulu is a multi-campus, comprehensive University, with its seat at its Nelson Mandela Drive campus in Mthatha. The University has four campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani.
Introduction
Applications are hereby invited for the following position based in Mthatha Campus.
Job description
DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
PROFESSIONAL NURSE
PEROMNES-08 PERMANENT
REFERENCE NO: WSU MTHS 2026/08
Key Performance Areas:
Student Health and Wellness
Education and training
Administration
Stakeholder Engagement
Financial Management
Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
Research
Minimum requirements
Qualifications:
- Diploma (NQF Level 6) or Degree (NQF Level 7) in General Nursing Science, Midwifery, Community and Psychiatry.
- Primary Health Care or Adult Primary Care (APC) Certificate.
- NIMART Certificate.
- Sexual Reproductive Health Certificate.
- In possession of a Valid SA Drivers Licence (code 8/10).
- Current registration with the South African Nursing Council.
- Possession of a dispensing certificate and willingness to acquire a dispensing license upon appointment.
Experience:
- Two (2) years’ post-qualifying experience in the Primary Health Care field.
- Working experience in Higher Education Institution will serve as an added advantage
Skills and Competencies Required:
- Technical/ professional knowledge and skills
- Patient care
- Interpersonal relationship skills
- Teamwork
- Planning and Organising
- Decision-making and problem solving skills
- Work Standards
- Continuous professional development
- High work ethics and confidentiality
- Research and writing skills
- Presentation and facilitation skills
NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.
Applications, which should contain a completed Walter Sisulu application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacanciesand comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,
Closing Date: 25 June 2026
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
Walter Sisulu is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply