Director Mandela University Africa Hub for Youth Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (MUAH)

Nelson Mandela University; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a Director for the Africa Hub for Youth Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation. This role involves providing visionary leadership, developing innovative strategies, and promoting entrepreneurship and social innovation. Ideal candidates should possess a master's degree in a relevant field and five years of management experience. The position is on a five-year renewable contract basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit a detailed CV and motivation letter by 13 February 2026.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business management or entrepreneurship is required.
• At least 5 years of management experience in entrepreneurship development.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and resource mobilization.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and innovative strategy development.
• Develop and implement programs to promote entrepreneurship and social innovation.
• Ensure effective management structures and monitor compliance.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Entrepreneurship Development

Creative and innovative thinking

Skills of Influence

Problem Solving

Education

Master’s degree in business management / Entrepreneurship

Tools

Computer Literacy

Job description

Post Title

DIRECTOR - Mandela University Africa Hub for Youth Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (MUAH)

Five Year Contract - Renewable Based Performance

Division

Division: DVC PEOPLE AND OPERATIONS

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

Provide visionary leadership, innovative strategy development, agile execution, and continual renewal to positioning the Mandela University Africa Hub as a dynamic, adaptive, and sustainable catalyst at the heart of fostering a self-reliant, creative and enterprising generation of entrepreneurs, social innovators and change-makers.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Strategic Thinking: Develop, mobilise and deploy creative and innovative knowledge and thinking to position the MUAH at the core of the living ecosystem for entrepreneurship development and social innovation.

Strategic Management: Develop and recommend the HUB’s long-term strategy, vision, and performance targets, supported by annual implementation plans and budgets that drive sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurship Development and Social Innovation Promotion: Develop and implement programmes that promote entrepreneurship and social innovation, recruit students, the youth and entrepreneurs to grow the MSMEs in key economic sectors.

Governance & Compliance: Ensure effective management structures, sound policies, and robust governance systems while monitoring compliance with legal, regulatory, and applicable standards.

Operational Effectiveness and Optimisation: Oversee capital and operational expenditure, ensure efficient resource allocation, and monitor HUB’s performance against agreed objectives.

Organizational Development: Establish effective structures, systems, teams, and operating models that enable execution of strategy, excellence and realisation of the imperatives of sustainability of the MUAH.

Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships: Design integrative collaborative ecosystems for resource mobilisation and programme or project-based partnerships.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Advanced level of competencies required:

1. Leadership & Strategy

• Strategic Leadership
• Strategic Thinking
• Programme and Project Management
• Creative and innovative thinking

2. Business & Financial Acumen

• Entrepreneurship Development
• Risk Management
• Financial Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• People Management

3. Communication & Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Skills of Influence
• Marketing and Communication
• Partnership Management
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Conflict Resolution Management

4. Technical Proficiency

• Computer Literacy

REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree in business management /Entrepreneurship.
• At least five years management experience in an entrepreneurship development environment.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Incubation management experience will be an added advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• A detailed CV (max. 5 pages)
• A motivation letter outlining relevant experience and suitability for the role
• Contact details of three referees

CLOSING DATE

13 February 2026

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.

Kindly ensure that all applications are made through the e-recruitment website.

Details are available via the link indicated below:

https://vacancies.mandela.ac.za/