Associate Administration Gauteng

University of Johannesburg • Other • Other (Gauteng, South Africa) • $200 - $300 / year • 1w ago

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for societal impact in the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of Africa.”

Duties & Responsibilities

NB: All applicants are requested to submit a detailed CV and cover letter.

The University is seeking to appoint an exceptionally motivated and energetic person of high professional and academic standing to serve as the Director for the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS; one of the flagship institutes under the Global Excellence and Stature (GES) Catalytic Initiatives.

JIAS, launched in May 2015, is the first and only fully-fledged institute for advanced scholarship in Gauteng - South Africa’s economic and political heartland. It is one of only three institutes for advanced study on the African Continent. Its purpose is to promote cutting-edge research in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences beyond regular teaching and research activities at higher learning institutions.

Since its inception, JIAS has created conditions in which scholars, researchers, and writers can partake and deliver cutting-edge interdisciplinary thought and research at the highest academic level. This is done by reaching beyond the regular teaching and research routines of contemporary institutions of higher education, and by encouraging collaborative scholarly cooperation in the Humanities, Natural, and Social Sciences. JIAS is also a full member of the University-Based Institutes for Advanced Study (UBIAS), a global network of similar institutes drawn from all over the world. The JIAS Advisory Board comprises men and women of great distinction, accomplishment, and expertise drawn from various academic fields and other sectors of society.

Responsibilities and expectations:

Determine, articulate, implement and lead the development of intellectual content for JIAS activities, further advancing JIAS nationally, regionally, and internationally in accordance with its strategic objectives including enhancing UJ’s Global Excellence and Stature.
Expend the reach profile of JIAS in South Africa, on the African Continent, as well as globally through the building and strengthening of relationships.
Serve as liaison between JIAS and important stakeholders in the academic and research community, the state, and other sectors in society business.
Contribute towards other UJ academic programmes, including curriculum development, supervision of postgraduate students, and hosting postdoctoral research fellows.
Contribute towards the generation of new knowledge and thought leadership through an active research and media profile.
Ensure the financial self-sustainability of the JIAS through networking and fundraising (in conjunction with the UJ’s Development Office).
Ensure effective and efficient management of the JIAS research cost centres, finances, and other resources.
Effectively manage academic, administrative, and professional support staff, including staff and visiting academic recruitment, development, and retention.

Desired Experience & Qualification

A Doctoral qualification, with a substantive research portfolio or significant professional experience.
Professional networking and fundraising experience, and an ability to work productively with partners.
Ability to conduct and direct research and communicate ideas to a range of stakeholders.
A track record of successfully securing both national and international funding in thematic areas of Pan-African and global importance.
A track record of successful postgraduate student and postdoctoral supervision.
A track record of leadership, governance, organisational management, administration, and financial management.
Experience in communications will be an added advantage.

Recommendations:

Rated by the National Research Foundation (NRF) or meets the criteria for NRF rating in the South African system (incumbent will be required to apply if not rated; see

* By default, this is a 5-year fixed-term position. Subject to financial sustainability and exceptional performance, the candidate may be renewed for another 5-years. The university will also consider exceptional and/or NRF-rated academics, for a fallback or tenured academic position. The evaluation will be subject to the successful attraction of external funding.