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UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
 


​VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL 
UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND 
Reference number: 2025/01/VC01 
 
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is located on the North Coast of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, with two established campuses located in KwaDlangezwa and Richards Bay, with the prospect of a third one to be located at Ulundi. It has four faculties, namely, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, and the Faculty of Commerce, Administration & Law. UNIZULU is a university in Africa with a distinct African character. The strategic intent is to enhance and intensify aspects of its African profile for strategic advantage and differentiation. UNIZULU will require a set of decisive practical and symbolic actions to establish it as a renowned Node for African Thought. The University Council seeks to appoint a high calibre, dynamic, visionary, and accomplished leader to provide strategic leadership to the University which boasts of a very rich history. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is responsible for the management and administration of the University, has all the Council delegated functions, and also serves as the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the University. This leadership position will suit a candidate with extensive knowledge and experience of the higher education environment, unquestionable academic credentials, and very strong and proven leadership qualities, particularly in steering the institutional strategic direction, demonstrated at executive management level. 
 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Providing visionary, strategic, transformational and ethical academic leadership for the institution in pursuance of its current Strategic Plan and beyond;
  • Building a positive image of the University, promoting its interests, and sustaining effective relations nationally and internationally
  • Ensuring that academic programmes offered by the University are responsive to the needs of society and are of excellent quality within the context of the national and international labour market; 
  • Serving as Chief Executive and Accounting Officer, ensuring efficient and effective management of the University’s financial, human and infrastructural resources, including raising funds and generating new sources of income for the University strategic projects;
  • Developing quality student life and governance, providing academic planning and support based on a clear understanding of the needs of a diverse student body;
  • Developing and maintaining a healthy working relationship with the Department of Higher Education and Training and other stakeholders.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 
  • An appropriate doctoral qualification and status of a full professor;
  • A proven track record and at least 10 years as an academic leader in terms of teaching and research, with administration experience at an executive level in a university;
  • Proven resource, strategic and people management skills, with the ability to lead institutional transformation and change effectively;
  • In-depth knowledge and a strategic understanding of the higher education environment and the challenges faced by universities in South Africa and internationally;
  • Extensive working knowledge of the legislation and reporting regulations that govern the higher education environment in South Africa;
  • High level of integrity and dependability, with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation;
  • A well-developed national and international network that will support the strategy and growth of the university;
  • A quick and decisive management style and the willingness to appropriately respond to difficult situations as they arise.
 
The appointment is for a 5-year fixed term with possible renewal for a further and final term of five years, renewable subject to a satisfactory work performance review. A competitive annual remuneration package, including benefits, will be offered. 
 
Applications for this position must include the following: 
  • A self-evaluation by the applicant of his / her suitability for appointment;
  • University of Zululand Application Form;
  • A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae;
  • Names and contact details of at least five work related and contactable referees (one must be current or a recent superior);
  • Certified copies of all qualifications/ certificates, and
  • Acceptance of the recruitment and selection process of UNIZULU.
 
All applications must include the above listed six requirements. To apply for this position please send all requested documentation by email to Ms. NN Mdletshe, MdletsheNN@unizulu.ac.za by no later than 12:00 on the closing date stated below. 
Please clearly indicate the reference number for the respective application. 
 
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 09 February 2025 
 
For the University of Zululand Application Form and details about the University, please log on to the University website: https://www.unizulu.ac.za










​The University of Zululand subscribes to the principles embedded in the Employment Equity Act 
 
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION OFFICE 
MANAGER: POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 
(RE-ADVERTISEMENT)
REFERENCE NUMBER: 2025/01/VV36 
GRADE 6 
 
The University of Zululand (UNIZULU), located in the Northern KwaZulu Natal Province, is a Comprehensive University, with two campuses – one in KwaDlangezwa and the other in Richards Bay. The University is seeking to recruit a Manager, responsible for Postgraduate Studies and Information Management. 
The Manager provides operational management and leadership to the Postgraduate Studies and Information Management portfolio and implements interventions to support academic staff and students in postgraduate studies across the University. The Manager reports to the Director of Research and Innovation and enforces postgraduate studies policies, procedures, and guidelines, and works with teams to deliver the postgraduate studies and postgraduate information management priorities reflected in the University Strategy. The Manager contributes towards building an enriched postgraduate student experience and services the administration of the Higher Degrees Committee structures. The Manager is responsible for supervising capacity development interventions for all staff and postgraduate students, supervising NRF and non-NRF related bursary services for all postgraduate students, and ensuring policy and procedural compliance in postgraduate research supervision and mentorship. A key role is the coordination of capacity development of postdoctoral fellows through the postdoctoral training programme. The incumbent plays a key managerial role in building systems for good governance, responsible engagement with diverse communities, postgraduate student recruitment.
 
KEY ACTIVITIES 
  • Postgraduate Research, Supervision Development support, and Postdoctoral fellowships training 
  • Postgraduate Research Compliance and Information Management 
  • Portfolio Management, Network and External partnership development 
  • Staff Management, Communication, and Administration 
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 
Minimum: a Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Leadership and Management, Information Studies, or any field in Natural or Applied Science, is required. 
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience working in the administration of postgraduate studies or equivalent at a Higher Education Institution. 
Demonstrated experience in implementing strategies and plans for postgraduate studies support, writing policy, grant writing, network development, and/or compliance management. 
Minimum of 3 years’ experience at a supervisory level. 
 
PREFERENCES
  • A doctoral degree would be an advantage. 
  • Proficiency in database management, student information systems, NRF online system, Turn-it-in, Quest, Infonetica, HDMS, Odyssey, OnBase, etc. is an advantage. 
 
OTHER REQUIREMENTS 
Knowledge
  • Postgraduate studies policies and procedures, postgraduate recruitment strategies, 
  • Computer Literacy (Ms Word and MS Excel), Online Application Systems 
  • Project and risk Management 
  • Minutes taking, Meeting Agenda Preparation 
  • Council on Higher Education frameworks and policies, and guidelines 
  • NRF bursaries 
  • Professional bodies - national and international (RIMAs) 
 
Skills
  • Research methodologies, Grant writing, Policy development 
  • Communication skills (written and verbal) 
  • Time management and interpersonal skills 
  • Coordination skills 
  • Budgeting
  • Leadership and management 
 
Behaviour / Attributes 
  • Problem solving and decision making 
  • Take responsibility 
  • Attention to detail 
  • Customer oriented 
  • Communicative
  • Honesty
  • Goal driven 
  • Team player 
  • Resourcefulness
 
 
CLOSING DATE: 02 February 2025 
 
To apply please log on to PNET (www.pnet.co.za) and submit your application. The University will not accept any applications directly or through any other means. 
 
Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements, as specified above, will not be considered, and should not apply. 
 
By applying for this position, you hereby give consent to the University of Zululand, that your personal information like your name and surname, Identity number, banking details, address, resume’ etc., may be used, distributed, handled, or processed and/or stored for purposes of the Recruitment and Selection process of the University. 
Please note in terms of the University’s recruitment policy preference will be given to South African citizens. UNIZULU is committed to employment equity and equal opportunity. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. 
 
Kindly Note: Communication will be entered into with shortlisted candidates only.