Director (P5): Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy (CRSE)

Sol Plaatje University; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in South Africa seeks a Director to lead the Centre, manage research activities, and drive renewable energy initiatives. The role demands a PhD and a strong research background, with responsibilities in strategic leadership, project management, and community engagement. Candidates should have expertise in areas such as solar technologies and project funding. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in teaching and community engagement.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding.
• Proven national and international collaboration network.

Responsibilities

• Develop vision for the Centre aligned with strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership to faculty research and postgraduate training.
• Manage resources to maximize contribution to university success.

Skills

Research background in renewable energy project management

Leadership and management experience

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of solar energy technologies

Ability to engage diverse stakeholders

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Research grants management

Project management

Job description

Purpose

The Director will be responsible for managing the activities and guiding the overall development of the Centre, including reporting on the activities and progress of the Centre as per the annual performance plan and project agreements. The Director is required to serve as a member of the faculty research committee and Senate, and to teach courses/modules in her/his area of specialization. This is a fixed five-year contract which may be converted to a substantive academic post within the faculty, subject to performance review and research outputs at the end of the contract.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Engineering or related disciplines.
• A strong research background and proven track record in renewable and sustainable energy project management, including relevant publications in accredited journals.
• Strong leadership and management experience in research or academic setting.
• Proven track record in teaching and community engagement.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding and managing large projects.
• Expertise in areas such as solar energy technologies, battery systems, lightweight materials, and energy efficiency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• A commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and education.
• Proven national and international collaboration network.
• Proven track record of supervising postgraduate students at Masters and Doctoral level.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.

Recommendation

• Registration as a member of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).

Duties and Responsibilities
Provision of strategic leadership to the Centre and the Faculty.

• Develop and deliver a vision for the Centre aligned with the Faculty and the University strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Centre, embracing the range of research themes in the Centre, by providing a coherent vision for research and postgraduate training accordingly.
• Identify, promote and contribute resources to develop and strengthen the broader research portfolio of the centre. This will include identifying and supporting opportunities for research through multi-disciplinary collaborations.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Centre, raising its profile locally and internationally.
• Membership of faculty Board, faculty Research Committee and Senate.

Research

• Develop research projects.
• Apply for research grants.
• Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
• Draw up performance plans for research teams.
• Manage projects to achieve objectives.
• Development of national and international collaboration and partnerships.
• Commercialisation of research output.
• Provide guidance and assistance on research matters.

Administration

• Manage the Centre’s research activities, physical and financial resources accordingly, with clear objectives, targets and associated measurements to maximize its contribution to the growth and success of the University.
• Ensure that the Centre’s Advisory Committee (CAC) meet regularly and is updated on progress of the centre, and that the advice of the CAC is considered in formulating the Centre’s plans.
• Ensure compliance to relevant university policies, protocols and procedures.

Personal/ Professional Development

• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc.
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU.
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate).
• Engage in current and future professional development activities.
• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Develop relevant reports as and when required.
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.

Enquiries can be made via email at [e-mail]

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.This position may be subjected to assessments.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.