DIRECTOR: QUALITY PROMOTION AND ASSURANCE

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

Job summary

The University of KwaZulu-Natal invites applications for the Director: Quality Promotion and Assurance. The role provides strategic leadership to the QPA function, ensuring university-wide quality assurance and enhancement aligned with policy and external standards.

You will guide colleges, schools and divisions, oversee accreditation and curriculum changes, and lead self-evaluation and external reviews. You will manage resources, mentor staff, report to governance structures, and interact with

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Higher Education Studies, Quality Assurance or a relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years in higher education, with at least 3 years in quality assurance, programme review or academic leadership.
• At least 2 years' teaching experience in higher education.
• Extensive knowledge of quality assurance principles, policies and processes.
• Deep understanding of SA higher education landscape, legislation and policies.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic management experience.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, written and verbal skills.
• Sound administrative, organisational and financial management skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Quality Promotion and Assurance (QPA) function.
• Oversee institutional, School and support Division review processes and reporting.
• Guide Colleges, Schools and Divisions on quality-related matters through Quality Consultants and committees.
• Oversee accreditation, programme reviews and curriculum changes in line with quality standards.
• Lead self-evaluation and external quality assurance preparations, including CHE processes.
• Coordinate external evaluation submissions and evidence, ensure governance and accountability.
• Develop and implement improvement plans arising from reviews and audits.
• Monitor progress and evaluate effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Promote student feedback systems and inform teaching, learning and curriculum decisions.
• Manage QPA unit resources and staff development, and participate in university governance.

Education

Doctoral degree in Higher Education Studies, Quality Assurance or relevant field of expertise

Job description

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

DIRECTOR: QUALITY PROMOTION AND ASSURANCE

TEACHING AND LEARNING DIVISION

FIVE (5) YEAR FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT

OPERATING UNIVERSITY-WIDE

REF NO. UKZN_000984

The Director: Quality Promotion and Assurance will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Quality Promotion and Assurance (QPA) function, ensuring the effective implementation of university-wide quality assurance and enhancement processes that promote academic excellence and continuous improvement.

The incumbent will oversee institutional, School and support Division review processes, including planning, scheduling, coordination, report preparation and follow-up. The Director will provide strategic guidance to College Deans, Colleges, Schools and Divisions on quality-related matters through Quality Consultants and relevant committees. The incumbent will also oversee programme and module accreditation and approval processes, including those involving the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and other relevant external bodies, as well as programme reviews and curriculum changes, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, accreditation requirements and applicable quality standards.

The Director will lead institutional and sectoral self-evaluation processes in preparation for external quality assurance exercises, including CHE institutional audits and programme accreditation reviews. The incumbent will coordinate preparations for external evaluations and visits, ensuring that submissions, supporting evidence and institutional arrangements meet the requirements of the relevant quality assurance bodies. The Director will also oversee the development and implementation of improvement plans arising from reviews, audits and accreditation processes, monitor progress against recommendations, evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions, and ensure accountability through appropriate University committees and governance structures.

The Director will oversee student feedback and evaluation systems within the academic sector, ensuring the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of student evaluation results. The incumbent will promote the effective use of these findings to inform teaching and learning enhancement, curriculum development and academic decision-making, working collaboratively with relevant academic leaders and support structures. The Director will also oversee QPA support for teaching and learning initiatives, curriculum development and quality-related survey activities, and contribute to the development and improvement of institutional quality systems, including those relating to academic promotions and teaching portfolios.

The Director will be responsible for the effective management of the QPA Unit and the efficient utilisation of its financial, physical and human resources. This will include managing budgets relating to QPA operations, institutional audits, external funding and School reviews; overseeing the preparation and quality assurance of reports and other Unit documentation; promoting effective internal communication; and mentoring and developing staff, particularly new employees. The incumbent will provide guidance and support to staff involved in quality-related activities across Colleges, Schools and Divisions, strengthening institutional capacity to implement quality assurance processes effectively.

The Director will participate actively in relevant University committees, academic governance structures and quality-related task teams, providing expert advice on quality assurance, accreditation and academic enhancement. The incumbent will maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including the CHE and other relevant quality assurance bodies, and keep the University informed of developments in quality assurance policy, standards and practice. The Director will also promote and conduct research into quality assurance and enhancement in higher education, encourage research among QPA staff, contribute to national quality-related forums and disseminate relevant research findings and good practices to support institutional development and sectoral engagement.

The incumbent will report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Doctoral degree in Higher Education Studies, Quality Assurance or relevant field of expertise.
• Minimum 5 years in higher education environment, with at least 3 years in quality assurance, programme review, or academic leadership
• A minimum of two (2) years' teaching experience in higher education.
• Extensive knowledge of quality assurance principles, policies and processes within the higher education sector.
• In-depth understanding of the South African higher education landscape, including relevant legislation, policies, challenges and quality assurance developments.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic management experience, including the ability to lead institutional quality enhancement initiatives.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound administrative, organisational and financial management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the University and with external quality assurance bodies.

Appointment to this post will be on the January 2018 Conditions of Service. The total remuneration package offered includes benefits.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17 November 2026

Short-listed candidates may be expected to do a presentation on a specific topic.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.