Academic Clinical Head of Department Surgery

NMU; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in South Africa is seeking a Medical Specialist to lead the academic and clinical department, focusing on teaching, research, and community-engaged healthcare. The ideal candidate will possess an MBChB degree, HPCSA registration, and significant teaching experience. This role promotes innovative medical education in a vibrant environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years clinical work experience as a Medical Specialist.
• Minimum 2 years university teaching experience.
• Registered as an Independent Practitioner with HPCSA.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy development and execution for the Department.
• Manage academic and clinical responsibilities.
• Conduct and supervise research projects.

Skills

Expert knowledge in relevant discipline

Facilitating learning and teaching

Managerial and leadership skills

Problem-solving and decision-making

Strong people management skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

MBChB degree

Registration with HPCSA 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 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 focused on producing high-quality, collaborative and innovative medical doctors. The University seeks healthcare professionals who embrace this teaching and the values of Nelson Mandela, and who are committed to living his legacy in creating a more equal and just society. 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 core university functions by 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 and assessments.
    • Participate in interprofessional education and collaboration pertaining to health personnel and allied health disciplines.
  • Manage human resources in the Department and ensure an optimal level of skills and competencies of all staff, including sessional medical practitioners.
  • 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 the Mission and Vision of the Faculty and University and ensure transformation initiatives are met.
  • Contribute to strengthening 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.
• 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.
• Strong people management skills.
• 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 years’ 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 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 Person: Mrs Shatira Bickoo
• E-mail: [e-mail]
• Tel: [phone]