Head of Department : Private Law

University of Fort Hare; East London; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Fort Hare is looking for a Head of Department to manage academic curricula and operations. This role involves leadership in research and teaching, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic goals. Candidates should possess a Doctoral Degree and extensive experience in academic leadership, with a strong commitment to excellence in education.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience in the higher education sector, including 2 years in academic leadership.
• Track record of high-quality academic work and research publications.
• Successful postgraduate supervision experience, including Doctoral supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the department to ensure excellence in academic activities.
• Develop academic and operational plans aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Oversee staff performance and foster a positive department morale.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Budget management

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job description

The University of Fort Hare is seeking to appoint a Head of Department (HOD) who will oversee the management of academic curricula, staff, and student administration processes in alignment with institutional policies, rules, and faculty guidelines. The incumbent will lead and manage the department to realize its full potential, ensuring excellence across all areas of academic activity. This role is integral to the Universitys leadership, requiring the HOD to understand and contribute to the broader University Strategic Plan, including its vision, mission, goals, and targets, while also managing the daily operations of the department within the Faculty.

This is a 3-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for one additional 3-year term, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing and a satisfactory performance assessment.

Minimum Requirements :

A Doctoral Degree

Senior Lecturer rank level, but preferably at Associate Professor or Professor level

5 years experience in the higher education sector, of which 2 years in an academic leadership role

Extensive undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research experience

A credible track record of high-quality academic work

A track record of international and national accredited research publications commensurate with the academic rank of Senior Lecturer, Associates Professor or Full Professor

Postgraduate supervision experience including successful Doctoral supervision commensurate with the academic rank of Senior Lecturer, Associates Professor or Full Professor

Evidence of successful national / international fundraising for research

Experience of effectively line-managing individual members of staff and teams.

Added Advantages

Recognition as an established scholar in a chosen area of research (e.g., NRF rating, international keynote addresses / plenary lectures).

Experience in managing budgets and academic programmes (Research and Teaching).

Familiarity with the administrative and management systems of the University.

Skills and Competencies :

Strong interpersonal communication skills including negotiation and influencing.

Ability to manage difficult situations.

Ability to set and communicate a clear vision and expectations for departmental and individual performance.

Integrity, keeping promises, following through on commitments, demonstrating the values expected of others.

Commitment to excellence in academic endeavors.

Commitment to nurturing talent, recognizing contributions and providing opportunities for professional development.

Commitment to challenging poor performance and inappropriate behavior.

Qualification / courses in higher education teaching and learning / Recognition for teaching

Evidence of professional and academic standing at national and international levels

Evidence of academic leadership and mentorship of early career academics.

Evidence of successfully hosting post-doctoral research fellows.

Evidence of national and international collaboration

Evidence of community engagement integrated with teaching, learning or research

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop academic and operational plans for the department in consultation with the Dean, ensuring alignment with the Facultys Operational Plans and the Universitys Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan, and Institutional Operational Plans.

Translate strategic goals into operational plans, leading the department to implement these plans and contribute to the department's strategic objectives.

Provide leadership in research and postgraduate studies, ensuring that the department meets the University and Facultys research goals and targets.

Promote excellence in research and innovation among both students and staff, establishing mechanisms that emphasize the importance of research and development, and facilitating research grant funding applications.

Ensure the performance of all staff in the department aligns with departmental and faculty plans, which contribute to the goals and targets stated in the Universitys Annual Performance Plan and Institutional Operational Plan

Develop and implement staff retention mechanisms by promoting continuous professional development and career advancement opportunities.

Oversee the programs and modules offered by the department, ensuring the implementation of all related University policies, rules, and procedures.

Foster positive morale and cohesiveness within the department, managing and motivating all staff to provide students with a quality education in a positive, encouraging, and effective working environment.

Control expenditure against departmental budgets and manage information about research budgets and expenditure within the department.

Support and improve the departments financial viability by developing new and innovative programs and modules, sourcing funds from third-stream sources, and improving the graduation rate. Contribute to the faculty planning and budget management process.

Represent the department within Faculty and University structures and committees.

Ensure the safety of staff, students, and property within the department, safeguarding students, staff, and visitors from physical risks, and always adhering to safe working standards and procedures.

Closing Date : 23 May 2025

To apply : Interested applicants who meet the criteria are invited to :

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