Job Details
- Expires 11 March 0 days left to apply
- Reference number: AP1136
- Province: Free State
- Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
- Posted: February 20th
Background to Position
LOCATION:Bloemfontein
The Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences is responsible for providing strategic and visionary academic leadership to ensure the faculty achieves its teaching, research, and engaged scholarship goals. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, the Dean is directly responsible for the management and advancement of educational and research programmes, the implementation of community-based health initiatives, and the development of strategic partnerships that enhance the faculty's impact at local, national, and international levels.
This position is for a 5-year term with the possibility of reappointment for a further term.
Job Description
KPA 1) Strategic Leadership and Alignment
- Articulate and implement a strategic vision that aligns with the University's objectives and the faculty's goals, including transformative health education, curriculum innovation, high-quality research, and societal impact.
- Lead the faculty’s academic and operational priorities in accordance with the university’s commitment to sustainable development, engagement, decolonisation, and digitalisation in research, learning and teaching, student-centeredness, as well as administrative processes.
KPA 2) Academic Excellence
- Oversee the development of academic programmes, ensuring quality, relevance, and accreditation in line with international standards and the South African health councils (e.g., Health Professions Council of South Africa, South African Nursing Council, and the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa).
- Support curriculum transformation, ensuring the faculty's alignment with national and global best practices in health sciences education.
KPA 3) Research and Innovation
- Promote a high standard of research within the faculty, with emphasis on internationally and locally relevant, impactful accredited research outputs that define the Faculty and University as a leading medical research institution.
- Promote interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research.
- Support grant applications and partnerships with industry and government to fund research initiatives that address South Africa's public health concerns.
KPA 4) Engagement and Partnerships
- Integrate engaged scholarship into teaching and research programmes, reinforcing partnerships with healthcare institutions and community organisations.
- Participate in various governance and management structures within the UFS, joint partnerships, and national platforms.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with professional councils, government agencies, and international institutions to strengthen the faculty's role in healthcare training and policy development.
- Collaborating closely with internal and external partners in the interest of quality research, learning and teaching, as well as administrative processes in the faculty. This includes working closely with the Provincial Health Department and the Academic Hospital.
KPA 5) Operational and Financial Oversight
- Manage the Faculty’s budget, allocating resources effectively to support strategic initiatives and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Oversee human resources within the faculty, including the recruitment, development, and retention of academic and support staff, fostering a collaborative culture aligned with institutional goals.
KPA 6) Promotion and Fundraising
- Lead fundraising and alumni engagement efforts to secure external funding and promote the faculty’s achievements.
- Represent the Faculty at regional, national, and international forums to enhance its reputation and broaden its network of supporters and collaborators.
Inherent Criteria
Minimum Qualification(s)
- A Doctorate on NQF Level 10 in a Health Sciences discipline relevant to the faculty’s core offerings.
- Appointment at full Professor level, evidenced by substantial contributions to teaching, research, engaged scholarship and academic leadership.
- Registration with an appropriate Professional Body in South Africa (e.g. Health Professions Council of South Africa, South African Nursing Council, the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa).
Minimum Experience
- A minimum of five years’ experience in senior management within higher education, preferably within a research-led institution.
- Proven expertise in faculty management, with a strong understanding of finance, human resources, and strategic planning.
- Demonstrated experience in obtaining external funding for research and academic initiatives.
- Familiarity with academic initiatives focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and digitalisation, as well as relevant national and global health agendas.
Recommendations
- An NRF rating or equivalent recognition of research excellence.
- Recognised standing in Health Sciences with experience fostering a culture of teaching, research, and engaged scholarship excellence.
- Proven ability to guide transformative initiatives that align with university goals, including curriculum innovation and equity.
- Demonstrated experience in budget management and strategic resource allocation.
Application Requirement
- A letter of motivation.
- A comprehensive CV.
- An abridged CV.
- Names and contact details for at least 3 referees.
- Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed.
- Proof of registration with a Professional Body.
- Certified copies of matric and degree certificates and Identity Document. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from SAQA
To apply please forward your full application quoting reference number AP1136 to Genevieve Michel c/o shireen1136@talenting.co.za
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
