Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor/Professor an Deputy Dean: Stakeholder Relations

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pretoria seeks a qualified Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor/Professor as Deputy Dean of Stakeholder Relations within the Faculty of Health Sciences. This role involves leading stakeholder engagement strategies and supporting academic and research functions while promoting public health initiatives.

Benefits

Health insurance contributions

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' academic management experience.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Record of research and publications in accredited journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Foster collaborative relationships with health departments and NGOs.
• Assist the Dean in managing the Faculty's community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Research Excellence

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Doctorate in a health science field or specialist qualification in Medicine or Dentistry

Job description

UP Posting - Academic

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ADJUNCT PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR AND DEPUTY DEAN: STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS (TERM APPOINTMENT)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 4

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s top research-intensive universities, dedicated to producing high-quality, impactful research that addresses complex contemporary issues. It is one of the most significant producers of research and makes a major contribution to postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training, as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. It is home to the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. The University has developed the infrastructure and a number of research platforms, including the Future Africa Institute and Campus, which support multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is continuously expanding its research partnerships and collaborations across the globe.

The University’s nine faculties and business school offer a wide spectrum of under- and postgraduate programmes that are recognised internationally. It offers quality education to a cohort of approximately 55 000 students from across the diversity of the South African population and awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred annually by public universities in South Africa.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the position of Deputy Dean: Stakeholder Relations – Faculty of Health Sciences.

Overview Of The Faculty

The Faculty of Health Sciences boasts a tradition of excellence in professional healthcare education. Joining the Faculty means becoming part of a new generation of health professionals, trained to exceptional standards with innovative and interactive approaches, integrating the latest technology where appropriate, and providing a rich clinical experience in various settings. The Faculty embodies the University of Pretoria's vision as a leading research-intensive university in Africa recognised internationally for its quality, relevance, impact, and commitment to knowledge creation, people development, and making a difference locally and globally. Home to 4600 undergraduate and 1700 postgraduate students and 1600 online postgraduate diploma and certificate students, the Faculty offers medical and dental fellowship training in over 40 disciplines. Approximately 500 academic staff members are spread across four Schools – Dentistry, Health Care Sciences, Health Systems and Public Health, and Medicine. The Faculty's physical presence spans multiple campuses, including Prinshof North and South Campuses, with satellite campuses at Klinikala Kalafong, Weskoppies, Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH), and academic involvement at Tembisa, Mamelodi, and Mpumalanga.

The Faculty provides training in partnership with the Gauteng Health Department, and the clinical training platforms include SBAH, Kalafong Hospital, Weskoppies Hospital, Tembisa Hospital, Mamelodi Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital (TDH), 1 Military Hospital, Witbank Hospital and the Oral and Dental Hospital. Several clinics and rural platforms are used for training. The Faculty has increased its medical student intake over the years to address the national demand for doctors. The Faculty benefits from these multiple clinical training platforms as they provide essential hands-on experience to students in various health-related fields. This is extended and supplemented by the technologically enabled student spaces created for cocreation, collaboration and innovation, such as the Health Sciences Centre for Simulation and Innovation and the 21st Century Library. The teaching and learning quality and student support systems are highly regarded, as evidenced by the Faculty's high standards and throughput rates.

The Faculty's research output has expanded in response to the need for relevant health and medical research in South Africa, Africa, and globally. The impact of the research is seen in an improved QS Ranking of 314 in the domain of Life Sciences and Medicine. The Faculty's diverse research focus areas and support system are detailed on the Faculty's research 5 webpage. The growth in PhD graduates, postdoctoral fellows, and research grants highlights the Faculty's status as a preferred institution for serious health science researchers. The Faculty's teaching, learning, and research efforts are complemented by providing specialised health care to those in need. The Faculty takes pride in its top scientists dedicated to addressing these needs and educating the next generation of professionals despite the allure of private practice and international opportunities.

POSITION AND APPOINTMENT

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ADJUNCT PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR AND DEPUTY DEAN: STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

The University seeks to appoint an Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor/Professor and Deputy Dean: Stakeholder Relations on a part-time basis who complies with the requirements for the position. The appointment will be additional to the successful candidate's academic appointment and will require at least 50% of their time as negotiated by the Dean. As part of the Faculty management team, the Deputy Dean will play an essential supportive role and assist the Dean in developing and managing the Faculty's stakeholder relationships and community engagement initiatives, as well as fulfilling other academic and research functions.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible, among others, for the following duties:

• Developing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with the Faculty’s and University’s strategic plans;
• Fostering and maintaining collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including:
• the National Department of Health, Gauteng and Mpumalanga Health Departments, Academic and training Hospitals, the City of Tshwane, the National Health Laboratory Service, the Health Professions Council of South Africa, the private health sector, health professions associations, donors, alumni and non-governmental organisations and industry partners.
• Monitoring stakeholder agreements for compliance, reporting, and renewal timelines;
• Facilitating formal partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and other agreements;
• Identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic alliances;
• Ensuring that partnership agreements align with institutional policies and academic standards;
• Advocating for the Faculty’s academic and strategic interests at provincial and national levels;
• Working closely with the Dean and other Deputy Deans to ensure stakeholder activities support teaching, research, and community engagement;
• Overseeing community engagement initiatives and public health outreach programmes;
• Promoting the Faculty’s involvement in addressing public health challenges;
• Contributing to societal dialogue on health matters through expert commentary and participation in policy development;
• Promoting transformation, equity, and inclusivity in stakeholder engagement practices;
• Supporting fundraising and grant acquisition through stakeholder relationships;
• Supporting students and staff involvement in community-based education and research;
• Representing the Faculty in external forums, advisory boards and stakeholder meetings.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy for the Faculty of Health Sciences, aimed at strengthening relationships with graduates, enhancing their connection to the Faculty, and leveraging alumni networks to support strategic priorities such as student mentorship, fundraising, public health initiatives, and professional collaboration.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• A doctorate in a health science field or a specialist qualification in Medicine or Dentistry;
• Requisite qualifications and experience for appointment as an associate or adjunct professor or full professor at the University of Pretoria, the assessment of which is based on several factors, including teaching, research and postgraduate supervision, community engagement, academic administration and academic citizenship;
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the following:
• academic management experience in a higher education institution;
• proven experience in stakeholder engagement/management, including partnerships with government, industry, NGOs, alumni, and other academic institutions;
• managing or contributing to community outreach programmes or public sector partnerships, particularly in health, education, or social justice sectors;
• Proven knowledge of the health sector environment and applicable regulatory statutes.
• A sustained record of research and publications in accredited journals;
• Proven leadership experience in inter-faculty undergraduate and postgraduate programmes;
• Proven extensive experience in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and postgraduate supervision;
• Proven experience in fundraising.
  
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge, And Behavioural Attributes)

• Recognised academic status in health sciences or specialist fields of Dentistry or Medicine;
• Visionary leadership with the ability to align stakeholder engagement with faculty and university goals;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging a wide range of stakeholders;
• Ability to manage complex relationships and navigate institutional and political environments;
• Proven ability to work across disciplines, faculties, and with administrative and academic teams;
• Commitment to inclusive and consultative leadership;
• Proven research excellence and high-quality publications in accredited journals, established record of teaching accomplishments, and ability to establish a supportive engagement culture;
• High ethical standards, accountability, and professionalism consistent with the University’s core values;
• Ability to contribute to strategic planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of stakeholder-related activities;
• Excellent knowledge of the governance structures, financial oversight, and risk management relating to partnerships;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging a wide range of stakeholders;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build trust;
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills;
• Excellent liaison skills with both internal and external stakeholders;
• Excellent conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent technological skills.
  
  

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• Experience in leading an academic department in a higher education environment;
• Experience in academic staff development;
• NRF rating
  
  

REMUNERATION AND APPOINTMENT

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the Bestmed and Umvuzo medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

The Deputy Deanship is a term appointment linked to a permanent academic appointment and is aligned with the term of appointment of the Dean. External candidates will also be considered for permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Regulations and Procedure for the Appointment of Deans and Deputy Deans can be accessed on the UP website at www.up.ac.za (click on Careers@UP and then on Appointment Regulations for Deans and Deputy Deans R63/19 ). By applying, applicants consent to the appointment process as detailed in the regulations and procedure.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, select About UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position to be applied for.

The following documents must be attached when applying for this position:

• A cover letter and comprehensive CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and a full employment history
• Certified copies of qualifications
• A self-evaluation of your suitability for appointment in the position
• A vision for the Stakeholder Relations portfolio in the national and international context
• Teaching portfolio
• Research portfolio (including record of citation index scores)
• The names and contact details of at least three referees (one national and two international) who can attest to your academic stature and leadership qualities. The University reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees.
  
  

All shortlisted candidates will be requested to prepare a presentation. The topic and further details regarding the presentation will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Applications not complying with the minimum requirements or that are received after the closing date will not be considered.

CLOSING DATE: 12 JULY 2025

Enquiries

Professor F Senkubuge, e-mail: [e-mail] for position related enquiries

Jeovitah Chimhamhiwa, email: [e-mail] for enquiries regarding the application process.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity.

Under the University's Employment Equity Plan and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the appointment requirements are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including but not limited to qualifications, criminal record (including sexual offences), credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings, as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.