Job Details

  • Reference number: AP 1030
  • Province: Gauteng
  • Type of engagement: Fixed term contract
  • Posted: March 30th
  • Remuneration package: Remuneration is commensurate with the seniority of the Position

Background to Position

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is a dedicated distance Higher Education institution which is funded by the Department of Education and Training in South Africa. In keeping with its mandate as a Comprehensive, Open and Distance Learning (CODeL+) Institution, which offers a variety of academic and career-focused programmes. UNISA is inviting applications for the position of Director: Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (P4).

Purpose of the job:

To formulate and execute the plans of the Directorate in alignment with the UNISA 2016-2030 Strategy and CODeL Business Model.

Job Description

Roles and responsibilities of the Director include the following:

KPA 1: Strategic Direction and Alignment:

  • Developing a directorate operational plan and KPI’s in support of the departmental strategy and the institution’s overall vision and strategy
  • Executing the directorate’s operational plan and procedures 
  • Interpreting policies to lower levels and ensuring alignment with Directorate’s operational plan.

KPA 2: Operational Leadership and Execution:

  • Serving as the University point of contact and liaison for coordination and developing relationships with public/private external organisations, entities, and stakeholders with respect to innovative activities, intellectual property, technology transfer and commercialisation
  • Managing the relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders 
  • Directing and monitoring the development and execution of innovation policies, processes, and practices
  • Forging partnerships for technology transfer and development with industries for technology co-development to enable the University to increase participation in Innovation Support programmes and initiatives 
  • Promoting and managing internal and external innovation grants and processes to support the development of technology transfer skills and competencies 
  • Providing guidance and advice to the institution in managing Intellectual Property emanating from the UNISA R&I initiatives in accordance with the IP Policy of UNISA 
  • Ensuring compliance to the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) reporting requirements
  • Leading and guiding business development processes and initiatives and create an environment to support innovation, technology development and transfer initiatives, including facilitating training and advocacy programmes.
  • Participating voluntarily in University’ structures/committees on various levels.
  • Contributing actively to the University within her/his own area of expertise.
  • Be involved with professional, national and international bodies/boards and/or editorial committees/boards of scientific journals that are related to his/her discipline.

KPA 3: Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management:

  • Managing the directorate’s resources efficiently, effectively, economically and in accordance with the relevant principles and policies of UNISA
  • Compiling and managing the directorate’s budget in line with the departmental budget
  • Directing and monitoring the directorate’s expenditure within budgeted parameters and reporting on variances periodically
  • Managing the process of allocation of financial resources within the Directorate 
  • Managing the function’s resources sustainably in accordance with financial principles
  • Authorising the procurement of relevant services, equipment, and materials 
  • Safeguarding the assets allocated to the Directorate
  • Ensuring the establishment of financial sustainability through a green Institution-wide culture.

KPA 4: People Management:

  • Ensuring and monitoring that all staff in the directorate are orientated to the organisation, trained, skilled, retained and that their expertise is optimally applied.
  • Ensuring a high-performance culture in the directorate through taking accountability for an effective and well-articulated performance management process.
  • Ensuring the implementation of training and development programmes for staff, including personal development plans (PDPs).
  • Establishing a positive, healthy and safe work environment and culture in accordance with the Transformation Charter. 
  • Directing implementation of the human resources policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Building a robust, effective talent and leadership pipeline, succession and HR capacity.

KPA 5: Governance and Reporting:

  • Monitoring and reporting on progress against operational initiatives 
  • Monitoring and reporting on legislative and statutory compliance 
  • Promoting sound institutional governance and participating in Institutional governance structures (Professional Citizenship)
  • Ensuring the development, implementation and review of policies and procedures 
  • Compiling regular reports to Council, its committees and other relevant structures
  • Participating in the annual performance review 
  • Identifying risks relating to the field of responsibility, and develop and implement mitigating strategies 
  • Documenting and reporting on directorate specific matters
  • Ensuring proper record keeping of all aspects within field of responsibility

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

  • Minimum Master’s Degree
  • Registration with a relevant professional body where applicable
  • Doctoral degree will be an added advantage
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant Higher Education sector work experience with at least 5 years in a management role.

Application Requirement

Assumption of duty :     As soon as possible

Closing Date             :     14 April 2023

Application can be forwarded by email to:  innovation@talenting.co.za for attention Genevieve Michel 

  • Kindly supply your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae 
  • Further documentation will be requested from shortlisted candidates
  • The contact details of three contactable references must be provided; one must be from your present employer. Should you not be employed, a contactable reference from your previous employer must be provided.
  • The detailed advertisement and a Job Description can be found on the UNISA website 
  • UNISA is not obliged to fill an advertised position. 
  • Late, incomplete, and incorrect applications will not be considered.
  • We welcome applications from persons with disabilities.

Appointments will be made in accordance with UNISA’s Employment Equity Plan and other applicable legislation.