Academic Head Of Department

Findojobs-Za; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in South Africa seeks an experienced Academic Head of Department for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The role involves strategic leadership, curriculum oversight, and fostering research excellence within the department. Candidates should possess significant clinical and academic credentials, with a strong emphasis on university administration and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in obstetrics and gynaecology.
• Proven research excellence.
• Eligible for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or higher.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to position the department as a centre of excellence.
• Oversee curriculum development and ensure high-quality teaching.
• Manage human, financial, and infrastructural resources efficiently.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical Excellence

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Academic Administration

Education

Registration as a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

PhD or substantial publication record

Job description

Join to apply for the ACADEMIC HEAD OF DEPARTMENT role at Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS), Wits University.

Location: Johannesburg, ZA

Organization Name: School of Clinical Medicine (5 Years Fixed Term Contract)

Department: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (5 years, renewable based on performance)

The School of Clinical Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences invites applications for the position of Academic Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

This strategic leadership role is open to applicants from within the existing joint staff cohort and beyond.

Brief Description: We seek a distinguished academic leader and expert in obstetrics and gynaecology or one of its subspecialties who demonstrates excellence across clinical service, teaching, research, and academic administration.

The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, drive innovation, and foster a culture of excellence aligned with the strategic goals of the University of the Witwatersrand, the School of Clinical Medicine, and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic and academic leadership to position the department as a centre of excellence.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor academic programmes aligned with the university's teaching and learning strategy.
3. Oversee curriculum development, ensure high-quality teaching, and maintain rigorous academic standards.
4. Promote and grow research activity, foster partnerships, and support postgraduate supervision and research training.
5. Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture through transparent decision-making and active consultation with staff.
6. Manage human, financial, and infrastructural resources efficiently to achieve departmental and school goals.
7. Represent the department within the School Executive Committee and participate actively in broader faculty governance.
8. Promote stakeholder engagement, social responsibility, and academic collaboration with internal and external partners.
9. Provide support and oversight to academic divisions within the department.
10. Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical and teaching platforms.
11. Uphold service delivery standards and quality assurance across all department activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Registration as a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• At least 10 years' experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, with demonstrated academic and clinical leadership.
• Proven research excellence, including a PhD or substantial publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Significant experience in university administration at a senior level.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, manage change, and build academic capacity.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills.
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor, or Full Professor per Wits academic criteria.

Additional Information

This is a university appointment under standard Wits terms and conditions, with remuneration commensurate with a Clinical Head of Department position. The incumbent may conduct clinical work within their area of expertise for no more than 20% of their time.

Application process and further details are available via the Wits e-Recruitment platform. The closing date for applications is 31 July.

For enquiries, please contact: Prof Mboyo Di Tamba Vangu via email.