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UNIVERSITY OF VENDA VACANCIES
UNIVERSITY OF VENDA
DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR: RESEARCH AND POST GRADUATE STUDIES
Department University of Venda -> Vice Chancellor and Principal -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Postgraduate Studies
Job Title Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Post Graduate Studies
Post Level Grade 2
Job Type Support - Univen Funded
Closing Date 28/2/2025
Job Requirements
The University of Venda situated in Thohoyandou in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province is a fast-growing higher education institution. Over the past years, the University has experienced tremendous growth and change in terms of its research output, student performance, infrastructure and financial management. The university is an important player in the South African higher education landscape, contributing significantly to the human resources and development needs of the country, region and continent.
The University is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Studies. This position forms an integral part of the Executive Management Committee and reports to the Vice Chancellor & Principal.
The University seeks to recruit and appoint a dynamic, visionary, thought leader who will provide intellectual leadership and actively support the Vice Chancellor & Principal in the strategic leadership and management of the University relating to the area of research, community engagement, entrepreneurship, inclusive innovation and commercialisation, knowledge exchange & partnerships, strengthening UNIVEN’s postgraduate culture and support to postgraduate students. S/he will be expected to sustain an enabling research culture and continue to build and strengthen UNIVEN’s innovation capacity.
Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice-Chancellor & Principal or assigned by the University Council. This is a highly demanding position requiring considerable intellectual flexibility, leadership and managerial abilities as well as identification with the University’s value systems in pursuit of the university’s transformation objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitor and update research and post graduate training policy; Oversee key administrative units that support the research and innovation function; Foster research development in niche areas. Lead the development of commercial knowledge exchange activities; Promote, maintain and monitor standards in research and post graduate supervision across the University; Spread best practice and celebrate achievements in research and knowledge exchange; and manage resources, budget and programmes of the research office.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Full Professor with at least ten (10) years of experience in higher education and proven senior management experience in research, leadership and administration in a reputable institution.
- A relevant PhD (or equivalent);
- An established academic leader and scholar with an excellent publication record, proven senior leadership experience;
- Demonstrated leadership at all academic levels: undergraduate, postgraduate, postdoctoral, and in staff recruitment, mentorship and development;
- Senior management experience at an academic institution and/or within a faculty of significant size and complexity;
- Advanced knowledge, insight and strategic execution capabilities in the development of the innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation ecosystem;
- Outstanding personal qualities of integrity, sound judgement, energy, passion and constructive interpersonal skills.
- A proven track record in designing capacity building programmes aimed specifically at producing a new generation of researchers and understanding the challenges related to the retention of young and established researchers within the University.
Recommendations:
- Rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa.
- Registration with recognised and relevant professional body or council.
LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR THE ABOVE POSITION.
The University of Venda is seeking an individual with strong interpersonal capabilities, who is an experienced team leader, able to foster interpersonal relationships within the University involving staff and students and across the institution and with stakeholders.
- To provide strategic direction: Judgement; Analytical ability; Conceptual thinking
- To champion the delivery of greater results: Committing to action; Displaying resilience; Executing assignments
- To manage self and others: Self-awareness; Building talent; Managing teams
- To foster productive working relationships: Resourcing projects and assignments;
- Providing competent and respectful leadership.
APPLICATION PROCESS
An application should be accompanied by the following:
- A detailed curriculum vitae including full record of academic management and leadership in research, publications and teaching experience as well as names, telephone, e-mail address of three referees who can confirm experience listed on the motivation and curriculum vitae.
- A detailed motivation highlighting their experience in each of the requirements listed above and any additional aspect you would like to bring to the attention of the selection panel.
Should you need assistance with the application process, please contact the HR team on 015 962 9293 / 9282.
The University of Venda is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of Employment Equity. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Candidates with foreign qualifications will be expected to have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) by the time they submit their application.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 28 February 2025.
Communication will be limited to short-listed candidates only.
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EXECUTIVE DEAN: FACULTY OF HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Department University of Venda -> Vice Chancellor and Principal -> Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning -> Faculty of Humanities, Social Science and Education
Job Title Executive Dean: Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
Post Level Grade 3
Job Type Support - Univen Funded
Closing Date 28/2/2025
Job Requirements
The University invites applications for the position of Executive Dean within the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education. This pivotal leadership role requires an exceptional individual to steer the Faculty’s strategic vision and align it with the University's transformative goals within the South African higher education landscape.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Dean is responsible for providing visionary leadership, driving academic excellence, and fostering a transformative and inclusive culture within the Faculty. The incumbent will guide staff and students to achieve the University’s mission and ensure the Faculty’s strategic objectives are aligned with the institution's overarching goals.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
- Extensive teaching experience coupled with a strong research and scholarly profile.
- Demonstrated expertise in higher education dynamics, policies, and strategic leadership.
- A recognized track record of academic leadership and scholarly achievement, including a distinguished publication record and proven excellence in teaching and learning.
- At least 10 years of relevant managerial experience in higher education institutions.
- Eligibility for NRF rating and recognition as a researcher of national or international repute.
Leadership and Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Proven strategic leadership and the ability to inspire innovation and excellence.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style.
- Expertise in academic planning, policy development, and the accreditation of academic programmes.
- Financial acumen with experience in budget planning and resource management.
- In-depth knowledge of education and training legislation and frameworks.
Key Performance Areas
The Executive Dean will be expected to:
- Provide strategic leadership to the Faculty, aligning its initiatives with the University’s strategic plan.
- Oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of the Faculty’s academic programmes, including online and blended learning methodologies.
- Advance excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation within the Faculty.
- Lead the Faculty’s research agenda, foster innovation, and secure funding to support these priorities.
- Ensure effective governance, administration, and risk management across the Faculty’s academic and operational activities.
- Manage enrolment planning and the student lifecycle while ensuring adherence to accreditation requirements.
- Develop partnerships with professional societies, government, industry, and international academic peers.
- Promote the Faculty’s reputation and engagement with broader society.
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-caliber academic and support staff.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application package that includes:
- A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting qualifications, academic achievements, and leadership experience.
- A letter of motivation detailing the applicant’s vision for the Faculty and how they align with the University’s mission and strategic goals.
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and professional memberships.
- Contact details for at least three professional referees.
Applications should be submitted by the specified deadline to the address provided in the advertisement. Shortlisted candidates may undergo additional assessments as part of the selection process.
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned academic leader to make a lasting impact on the Faculty’s growth, innovation, and contribution to higher education.
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FINANCE MANAGER - (1347)
Department University of Venda -> Vice Chancellor and Principal -> Chief Financial Office -> Finance -> Revenue and Financial Aid -> Financial Aid
Job Title Finance Manager
Post Level Grade 6
Job Type Support - Univen Funded
Closing Date 28/2/2025
Job Requirements
Requirements:
- BCom Hons in Accounting or equivalent and seven 07 years of Financial Aid experience with at least 5 years of management experience in higher education.
Duties:
- Implement the strategic plan for the Financial Aid section within the Finance Department.
- Implement the policies and procedures in line with the strategic plan.
- Supervise the operations of the Financial Aid section within the Finance Department.
- Manage the tracking of Financial Aid against the annual departmental budget.
- Manage and supervise all aspects related to the University’s Financial Aid including NSFAS allocation.
- Manage the compliance with all aspects of governance
- Supervision of staff performance through the University performance management system ensuring biannual reviews for all staff.
- Supervise daily operations of the division through the Financial Aid team.
- Determine and report on staffing needs.
- Ensure that all members of staff are provided with position profiles.
- Apply disciplinary procedure and processes where necessary.
- Development and implementation of strategic financial goals and objectives for the Financial Aid, Management Accounting and Reporting division.
- Implement the support system that encourage cross functional cooperation and support initiative taking.
- Implementation of appropriate accounting policies and procedures with the goal of producing timely and accurate reports.
- Supply accurate information to feed into financial models in order to track progress and measure the University performance.
- Provide financial analysis of the University’s Financial Aid to the Bursary committee.
- Report on actual Financial Aid income.
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