HEAD OF SCHOOL.1.01

University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent South African university is seeking a leader for the School of Clinical Medicine. The ideal candidate should have a specialist qualification, a minimum of 5 years of clinical leadership experience, and a strong research record. Responsibilities include providing strategic direction, overseeing educational standards, and fostering partnerships. The role promises a tenure of five years with the potential for renewal, emphasizing both academic and community collaboration.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of senior-level university and clinical leadership experience.
• Proven record of scholarly publications and engagement.
• Currently appointed at Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, or Professor level.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and direction for the School of Clinical Medicine.
• Lead the development and implementation of the school’s strategic plan.
• Ensure teaching programmes meet regulatory standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Research productivity

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Managerial skills

Education

Specialist qualification in a medical clinical discipline

Registered as Specialist or Sub specialist with HPCSA

PhD or equivalent research experience

Job description

Brief Description

Responsibilities

STRATEGIC & ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

• Provide strategic vision and direction for the School of Clinical Medicine
• Lead development and implementation of the school’s strategic plan aligned to Faculty and University priorities.
• Leadership experience including oversight of the teaching and training programmes of undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Oversee teaching and research across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• Ensure academic programmes meet national and international regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Promote innovation in teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum review.

ADMINISTRATION, HUMAN RESOURCES, AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Manage the School’s human resources, budget, and physical infrastructure.
• Ensure optimal allocation and utilisation of resources.
• Oversee performance management of Academic Heads of Department including appraisals.
• Promote staff development, mentoring, and career progression.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment.

RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP & INNOVATION

• Promote research productivity, collaboration, and publication output.
• Advocate for research funding and resources.
• Strengthen postgraduate supervision capacity and research training.

STUDENT SUCCESS & WELL-BEING

• Promote a supportive, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
• Oversee processes related to student welfare, performance concerns, appeals, and academic progression.

GOVERNANCE, QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

• Ensure academic programmes comply with the HPCSA and University regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee quality assurance in teaching, assessment, and clinical training.
• Provide regular performance reports to Deanery and University governance structures.

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders including the Gauteng Department of Health, academic hospitals, affiliated training platforms, and international collaborators.
• Strengthen clinical–academic alignment across service and training platforms.

TRANSFORMATION, EQUITY & DIVERSITY

• Lead transformation initiatives that promote equity, representativity, and inclusion.
• Foster a culture of collegiality, teamwork, respect, professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential Requirements

• Registered as Specialist or Sub specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Specialist qualification in a medical clinical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior level university and clinical leadership experience including oversight of teaching, training, and postgraduate programmes.
• Strong research record demonstrated through publications and scholarly engagement.
• Currently appointed at the academic level of Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, or Professor (as pert the Faculty staffing and promotions Criteria - Staffing & Promotions criteria.pdf)
• Demonstrated academic leadership, strategic insight, and administrative competence.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills.

Advantageous Experience

• A PhD or equivalent research experience (e.g., substantial publications, grants, or recognised research leadership).
• Experience supervising postgraduate students.
• Experience in health systems leadership, clinical governance, patient safety, or quality improvement.
• Proven experience engaging with regulatory bodies such as the HPCSA and health entities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex multidisciplinary teams.

TENURE

The successful candidate will be appointed for a five ¿ year term, renewable for an additional five years subject to performance and applicable University policies. At the end of the term, the appointee will transition to a full‑time academic post at an appropriate academic level within the relevant discipline in the University.

Enquiries

Professor Shabir Madhi, Email: