Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internalisation

• The DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation actively support the Vice-Chancellor in the leadership and management of the University. S/he will further take full responsibility for the development of vibrant research, innovation and internationalisation culture that will give effect to the university reaching its strategic objectives as a leading comprehensive university, both regionally and nationally. The incumbent reports to the Vice Chancellor will furthermore be responsible for the key performance and areas and competencies listed below:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Doctoral degree
• At least ten 10 years' experience in executive/senior management the position of Dean and Head of Academic Department is regarded as senior management at an institution of higher learning
• An established research track record with NRF rating and/ or other indication of international stature and/or appointment at the professorial level
• Demonstrate a track record of supervising postgraduate students
• Evidence of attracting grant funding, raising money for research and initiating international research collaborations
• Advanced knowledge, insight and strategic execution capabilities in the development of the innovation, technology transfer and commercialisation ecosystem
• Has an understanding of developments in the higher education arena locally in South Africa, and further afield
• Understands institutional cultural transformation and organizational alignment
• Can think strategically and operationalise this into plans and projects and align budgets accordingly
• Superior interpersonal skills and must be able to operate at all levels of the organisation
• Strategic leadership and people management skills

COMPETENCIES

• Technical/ professional knowledge and skill
• Strategic and visionary leadership
• Resource management
• People management including performance management
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Personal impact, stature and credibility
• Emotional intelligence and political sensitivity
• Management of complexity and ambiguity
• Management of transformation and change management
• Quality assurance and risk management
• Corporate governance
• Health and safety management
• Decision-making and problem solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Action orientated
• Team player

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS KPAs Strategy development and execution for the following key portfolios of the academic project:

• Research;
• Innovation;
• Internationalisation
• Establishing an enabling environment with state of the art facilities and equipment to support the Research, Innovation and Internationalisation portfolios of the academic project
• Ensure the implementation of quality assurance standards/measures to meet both internally set standards and the requirements of external bodies for portfolios reporting to this role
• Policy and procedure development and implementation aligned to the SMU mission, vision, values and strategic objectives
• Managing intellectual property, contracts, licensing agreements and commercialisation opportunities

Exploring alternative funding opportunities for the core activities of research, innovation and internationalisation at the university Human resource management in that s/he is responsible for:

• The development and regular review of structures for its appropriatenessto assist the university in achieving its strategic objectives in research, innovation and internationalisation
• Attracting high quality academic/research employees
• Internalize an institutional and performance culture at SMU that supports the implementation of the university mission, vision, values and strategic priorities
• Re-engineer academic business processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency in research, innovation and internationalisation
• Lead and inspire staff and provide clear direction through a period of transition
• Manage transformation to ensure the internalization of an organisational and performance culture that supports the strategic imperatives of SMU takeholder relations management and partnerships
• Risk management
• SHE Management section 16 2 responsibilities assigned by OHS Act
• Perform budget/financial, asset management, annual staffing and operating budget and capex
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Contribute to the overall development of SMU and actively improve institutional culture

Application procedure: Candidates should submit their applications to the Human Capital and Transformation for the attention of Interim Executive Director: Human Capital and Transformation, Prof Mala Singh hr.recruitment10@smu.ac.za by no later than 16:00 on the closing date stated on the advert

Deadline:25th September,2026