Academic(Clinical)Head of Department Psychiatry and Mental Health-Health Science

NMU; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Gqeberha is seeking healthcare professionals to lead medical training and engage in research within their new medical school. Candidates must hold an MBChB degree and be registered as a Medical Specialist. Responsibilities include managing clinical units, developing curricula, and promoting community engagement in health. A PhD is advantageous. This is a collaborative role with responsibilities in both academic and clinical settings. Closing date for applications is 19/10/2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years clinical experience as a Medical Specialist.
• At least 2 years teaching experience at university level.
• Management experience in a clinical unit.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy development for the Department.
• Manage academic and clinical responsibilities.
• Promote research and community engagement.

Skills

Expert knowledge in relevant discipline

Extensive experience in teaching

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong people management skills

Proficiency in problem-solving

Education

MBChB degree

HPCSA registration as Medical Specialist

PhD in relevant discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Overview

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

Nelson Mandela university is a dynamic African university offering an innovative Health Sciences Education model aimed at addressing South African healthcare and has established the country’s 10th medical school on its Missionvale Campus.

The Medical Programme offers a community embedded, primary health-care training approach that is focused on producing high quality, collaborative and innovative medical doctors. The University is seeking healthcare professionals who embrace this kind of teaching and the values of Nelson Mandela, who are committed to living his legacy in creating a more equal and just society for all.

This will be a joint appointment with the Eastern Cape Department of Health with academic and clinical responsibilities.

Key Performance Areas

• Strategy development and execution for the Department.
• Academic, clinical, and administrative leadership of the Department.
• Lead curriculum and program development for the discipline in collaboration with the medical education unit and contribute to the core functions of the university through serving on faculty and university structures as delegated by the executive dean.

• Lead research, including research supervision and community engagement in the Department.
• Promoting and undertaking teaching and training across all levels of students or junior colleagues (undergraduate medical students, medical interns, medical officers, and postgraduate students) including coordination, assessments, etc.
• Participate in interprofessional education and collaboration pertaining to the health personnel and allied health disciplines.
• Manage human resources in the Department and ensure optimal level of skills and competencies of all staff, incl. sessional medical practitioners, within the Department.
• Manage the financial, physical, and other resources in the Department
• Manage the marketing, liaison, and engagement of the Department
• Manage the academic administrative functions within the Department in collaboration with Academic Administration.
• Enhance Mission and Vision of the Faculty and University and ensure transformation initiatives are met.
• Contribute to strengthening of the clinical health services platform, with a focus on regional and national health challenges.

Core Competencies

• Possess expert knowledge, clinical and research skills in the relevant discipline.
• Possess extensive experience in facilitating learning and teaching
• Comprehensive managerial and leadership skills and competencies to head an academic Department
• Problem-solving, decision-making and conflict-management proficiency
• The ability to work under stress and maintain a good working relationship at all times.
• Have strong people management skills
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work in a team
• Sound knowledge of Human Resource Management, incl. disciplinary and grievance management procedures.
• Thorough understanding of financial management and resource allocation and optimization, including budgeting and expenditure control.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)

Post Requirements

• Education
  • MBChB degree.
  • A qualification that allows for registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist or a recognized Medical Sub-specialty in the relevant discipline.
  • A PhD in the relevant discipline or related health discipline will be an advantage.
• Registration
  • Registered with the HPCSA as an Independent Practitioner.
  • Proof of current registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist or a recognized Medical Sub-specialty in the relevant discipline.
• Experience and skills
  • A minimum of 5 year’s clinical work experience as a Medical Specialist after registration; or meeting registerable requirements in that category with the HPCSA; or holding a recognized sub -specialty in the relevant field with evidence of having managed a Clinical Unit or a Clinical Department.
  • A minimum of 2 years’ work experience in teaching and learning at university level, with evidence of teaching and academic contributions in undergraduate and postgraduate medical programmes.
• Management
  • A minimum of 2 years managing a clinical unit or a clinical department in the relevant clinical discipline.
• Research
  • Proven track record of research output, research supervision and publications
• Valid driver’s license.

Applicant Information

• Closing date: 19/10/2025
• Please note that no late applications will be accepted.
• Candidates must provide a cover letter indicating exactly how their skills match to the post requirements, and provide a comprehensive CV listing 3 referees, certified copies of their ID document, qualifications, valid HPCSA registration and Driver’s License.

Contact

• Contact Person: Mrs Shatira Bickoo
• E-mail: [e-mail]
• Tel: [phone]