Key Performance Area 1 – Strategy Direction and Planning (20%):

• Lead the success of the Catalytic Niche Areas as a strategic imperative and promote these areas of competitive edge
• Provide strategic direction and monitor achievement of the Portfolio’s strategy aligned to the overall CODeL 2016-2030 strategy
• Identify and pursue new research opportunities, emerging technologies, and cutting-edge areas of innovation
• Build capacity in areas where South Africa currently has limited expertise and capability

Key Performance Area 2 – Operational Leadership and Process Management (40%):

• Provide strategic leadership for Research, Innovation and Commercialisation; Library and Information Services; College of Postgraduate Studies; and Unisa Press
• Embed financial sustainability by promoting a green, institution-wide culture and ensuring effective use of resources
• Develop and implement strategies and policies to recruit and retain excellent researchers
• Foster an active research culture that promotes originality, innovation, excellence and enriched student learning
• Strengthen research information, funding and income generation by capturing research activities and identifying funding opportunities
• Promote research collaboration and engagement across the University and with external organisations at regional, national and international levels
• Maximise research commercialisation opportunities by ensuring appropriate systems and strategies for innovation and knowledge transfer
• Enhance the quality and impact of research through internal peer-review mechanisms and interdisciplinary environments
• Strengthen the University’s research reputation by responding to internal and external consultations

Key Performance Area 3 – Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management (10%):

• Formulate strategy and forecast costs factored into institutional budgeting processes
• Coordinate and drive preparation of the Portfolio’s budget for institutional approval
• Direct and oversee funding of Portfolio operations and budgeted activities
• Monitor portfolio expenditure within budgeted parameters and report on variances periodically

Key Performance Area 4 – People Management (10%):

• Lead, mentor and empower employees and change within the Portfolio
• Guide and influence strategic leadership in embedding institutional values and desired culture
• Drive a high performance culture through effective performance management
• Ensure resourcing of the Portfolio through recruitment and position filling
• Promote positive employee relations and climate through engagement
• Foster an organisational culture that is ethics and value driven
• Provide strategic guidance in implementing human resources policies and practices

Key Performance Area 5 – Governance and Reporting (20%):

• Report on progress against strategic initiatives
• Participate in institutional governance structures
• Manage strategic relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders
• Oversee, monitor and evaluate operations and report to stakeholders
• Ensure legislative and statutory compliance as defined by government and relevant professional bodies
• Promote context-relevant environmental, social and governance sustainability awareness and culture

To provide leadership and strategic direction in research, innovation and commercialisation, research dissemination, and library and information services, championing and embedding increased interdisciplinary collaboration across the University in accordance with relevant legislation and in alignment with the Institution’s Comprehensive Open Distance and e-Learning (CODeL) and 2016-2030 strategy.