Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Unitalentza; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. This pivotal role involves leading transformative initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion while fostering a collaborative academic environment. The ideal candidate will possess a distinguished scholarly record and exceptional leadership skills, aiming to elevate the faculty's global standing. The position offers the opportunity to shape the future of engineering education and research, contributing to societal development through innovative teaching and impactful research. If you are passionate about making a difference in higher education, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• PhD qualification in engineering or built environment is essential.
• Proven track record in academic administration and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a shared faculty vision and strategy.
• Enhance global expertise in teaching and research.
• Promote collaboration across scholarly disciplines.

Skills

Leadership

Academic Administration

Research Expertise

Teaching Experience

Strategic Vision

Fundraising

Social Responsiveness

Education

PhD in Engineering or Built Environment

Job description

Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

• Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment

Background to Position

The University of Cape Town (UCT) seeks to appoint a Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. The faculty is home to cutting-edge and impactful research, offering strong internationally accredited teaching programmes to a diverse student body, and is recognised nationally and globally as a major contributor to the development and transformation of society. The EBE Faculty is made up of six departments: Architecture, Planning and Geomatics; Chemical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Construction Economics and Management; Electrical Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering.

The faculty’s academic programmes are highly relevant and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including AI, climate change, sustainability, energy, water, and urbanisation. Its staff are leaders in their fields, with several researchers annually featured in Stanford University’s list of the top 2% of scientists worldwide. The faculty encourages and supports interdepartmental collaboration and collegiality, building a supportive environment for all.

With a vision to promote a creative, inclusive, and future-fit environment, the faculty fosters cross-cultural teaching and research opportunities which is essential to imagining, creating, and sustaining a better future for generations to come.

The Dean will be expected to lead transformation in the faculty, and in the University generally, by implementing measures to enhance diversity and inclusion in the institutional culture, including the race and gender representativity of students and staff in the faculty.

The successful candidate should have a distinguished scholarly record, unquestionable integrity, exceptional management and senior leadership skills, a track record of transformation and will be expected to advance UCT’s recognition, reputation and influence, both regionally and globally, in line with UCT Vision 2030.

Job Description

On appointment, the Dean will be expected to:

• Lead the development of a shared faculty vision and medium-term strategy;
• Deliver excellence in academic administration through proactive management and innovation;
• Enhance the Faculty’s globally recognized expertise in teaching, research and social responsiveness;
• Promote collaboration within, between and across scholarly disciplines;
• Attract top academics and students with exceptional potential from South Africa, the rest of Afrika and the broader global community;
• Improve student experiences and conditions for throughput in the context of a transforming University;
• Inspire, retain and support staff;
• Intensify our global interface with other universities and research centres by leveraging our participation in international and African partnerships;
• Safeguard the financial, reputational and environmental sustainability of the Faculty;
• Actively represent the Faculty as a member of the senior leadership team of the University.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements for the position:

• A PhD qualification in engineering or the built environment;
• An academic track record appropriate for appointment at associate professor or professor level within the Faculty including:
• An excellent track record of teaching, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including student supervision and graduating Master’s and PhD students;
• A distinguished record of research and teaching in a discipline represented within the Faculty;
• An excellent track record of efficient academic administration for at least 5 years, including a substantive appointment either as a Faculty Dean or Deputy Dean or Head of Department or a similar equivalent position;
• An in-depth understanding of university governance, rules and regulations;
• Integrity and the ability to inspire and innovate;
• A clearly articulated strategic vision for the Faculty;
• Experience in developing international research partnerships;
• A track record of sustainable financial management;
• An understanding of the social, political and economic environments in which South African universities operate;
• An active commitment to social responsiveness, transformation and inclusiveness;
• Fundraising experience and expertise.

Application Requirement

The 2025 annual cost of employment, including benefits, is appropriate to the Senior Executive level.

The initial term of appointment of a Dean is for five years and there is a maximum limit of one contract renewal, subject to performance assessment. On conclusion of the term of office as Dean, the appointee may be offered a permanent position in the appropriate academic department.

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (www.jobs.uct.ac.za). View (For Internal Applicants) and View (For external Applicants) to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete and attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• A motivation letter which addresses the above criteria, including a statement on your potential contribution as Dean;
• Your full curriculum vitae with the names and contact details of three referees;
• An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete and might not be considered.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver an open presentation and undergo assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Reference number: ID1026 Closing date: 04 April 2025

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups.

About University of Cape Town

“UCT is a community of exceptionally talented students, teachers and researchers – and a wide range of professional, administrative support and service staff – all of whom are committed to help change this world for the better. We encourage one another to work hard, not only to earn degrees or public recognition, but also to be leaders in this increasingly changing world. Our vision is to be an inclusive, research-intensive African university that addresses the challenges of our time with cutting-edge teaching, research and facilities. As a university we are committed to promoting transformation, to working tirelessly to guarantee the sustainability of our institution, and to ensuring excellence in all we do.”