Stellenbosch University Vice-Rector: Research & Innovation

ACU Ref: 59187
Closing Date: 4 May 2012 (The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.)

Stellenbosch University is a research-directed institution that aims to produce graduates with qualifications that are internationally recognised, and whose research is globally acclaimed for its quality and impact.

We are one of only three African universities in the top 500 institutions currently recognised in the QS World University Rankings™. The University boasts three national Centres of Excellence, seventeen SARChI research chairs and a Central Analytical Facility. In order to meet the challenges of the 21st century, the University seeks a Vice-Rector: Research & Innovation who has the vision, scholarship and international research standing to help realise our ambition to continue to strengthen our position as one of the top global institutions.

The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of the University’s research profile and research excellence, including inter alia the activities of the Division of Research Development, the Library & Information Service, the Postgraduate & International Office as well as for Institutional Advancement.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Rector, the Vice-Rector: Research & Innovation is the academic leader responsible for research and innovation of the University. As a member of the executive management team, the incumbent is co-responsible for the University’s mission, vision, values and goals, and for establishing synergy between research, teaching and community interaction. The incumbent assumes responsibility for facilitating and managing the attainment of resources at the University, as well as additional functions assigned to him/her by the Rector.

Requirements:
• International reputation as an established researcher;
• Proven vision, leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to elevate the University’s global research profile and relevance;
• Experience in a senior leadership role at an academic institution;
• A solid understanding of the South African higher education system as well as the national and international realities of this sector;
• The ability to develop and maintain appropriate national and international links, partnerships, alliances and agreements both in and outside academia;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Proven ability to motivate others in pursuit of a common goal;
• The ability to contribute to institutional redress through the accelerated diversification of the staff and the student corps;
• The ability to function effectively within the multilingual and multi-cultural environment of Stellenbosch University;
• Experience with national and international funding agencies and successes in leveraging funding;
• A Doctorate;
• Eligibility for appointment as Professor at Stellenbosch University.

Recommendations:
• The ability to communicate effectively in both Afrikaans and English;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the South African research environment;
• Experience in enhancing multi-institutional collaboration and productivity.

Term of office: To be determined by the University Council. Normally it is a term of five years with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term

Remuneration: As determined by the Human Resources Committee of the University Council, with consideration of institutional and national guidelines and trends

Commencement of duties: 1 August 2012 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 4 May 2012 (The University reserves the right to extend the closing date if deemed appropriate.)

Enquiries: Prof. H.R. Botman, Rector & Vice-Chancellor, on +27 21 808 4490 or at russelbotman@sun.ac.za

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups. In this context, and in terms of the Rules of Procedure regarding the appointment of a Rector and Vice-Rectors, it is required that at least one of the short-listed candidates will be from the designated groups.

All applications must be accompanied by:
• a concise statement in which candidates outline their vision for the University’s future and the role he/she envisages for himself/herself therein;
• a comprehensive curriculum vitae;
• information regarding present occupation, remuneration package and citizenship;
• names and contact details of three referees (applicants must request their referees to forward their confidential reports by the closing date to the electronic address below);
• an indication of the earliest date for commencement of duties; and
• certified copies of certificates.

Please forwarded applications to The Chair of the University Council, c/o The Chief Director: Strategic Initiatives & Human Resources, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, or fax +27 21 808 4983 or via e-mail to tjdc@sun.ac.za

Please note that candidates may, as part of the selection process, be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.