Director: Projects - Research and Innovation

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Western Cape is seeking a Director for Projects in Research and Innovation to lead strategic initiatives and manage research outputs effectively. This senior role requires a PhD and significant experience in higher education, focusing on aligning research with institutional goals and fostering partnerships.

Qualifications

• PhD Degree at NQF level 10 required.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in higher education.
• 5 years of relevant management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for strategic research initiatives and projects.
• Direct and oversee grants and funding strategies.
• Develop sustainable funding models for the research agenda.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Programme & project management

Financial Planning and Management

Relationship-building

Policy design and implementation

Education

PhD Degree at NQF level 10

Job description

The University of the Western Cape (UWC)’s Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation is looking for an individual to join our team who has the appropriate knowledge, skills, competencies and passion for research and Innovation and is keen to be involved in the various aspects and processes of getting university-based research outputs to social and/or economic markets.

Reporting to the DVC: Research & Innovation, the Director: Projects - Research and Innovation provides leadership for the strategic research agenda and initiatives within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation. This senior leadership role is responsible for directing the strategic vision, governance, and implementation of research and innovation programmes across the university.

The successful incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Providing leadership for Strategic research initiatives and Projects in the Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation.
• Ensuring alignment between the Research and innovation strategy with UWC’s broader institutional Vision and Strategy.
• Identifying strategic opportunities and directing the university's response to emerging research challenges and priorities
• Directing and overseeing grants and funding strategies for the Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation.
• Leading resource allocation decisions to support strategic research priorities.
• Developing sustainable funding models to support the university's research agenda.
• Leading communication and liaison strategies with high-level internal and external stakeholders.
• Establishing and nurturing strategic partnerships with industry, government, and international research bodies.
• Representing the Office of the DVC: Research and Innovation in university-wide and external forums.
• Identifying strategic gaps within Research and Innovation advocacy and governance frameworks.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive policy frameworks to support research excellence.
  

Minimum Requirements:(Qualification & Experience)

• An appropriate PhD Degree at NQF level 10.
• Must have at least 5 - 7 years of relevant experience.
• 5 Years’ relevant management experience in the higher education environment.
• Working knowledge of governance structures, policies and procedures in higher education.
• Experience in driving research projects.
• Experience in leading and managing a team.

Required competencies: (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes):

• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively in the academic setting and industry.
• Ability to work effectively with researchers, business development leaders and industrial contacts.
• The ability to work effectively and efficiently with many internal and external constituencies in a university environment.
• Good programme & project management, planning, facilitation and team management skills.
• Proficiency in policy design and implementation.
• A strong record of leadership and research in the academic environment.
• Relationship-building and Management skills.
• Ability to work independently and accurately under extreme pressure.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Financial Planning and Management Skills.