Dean (post level 4) (contract appointment: five years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities

•     Lead and manage the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at academic, research, engaged-scholarship and community-service levels.
•     Manage the budget and the equitable apportioning of resources within the context of academic and strategic planning.
•     Manage all staff-related matters in the faculty, as well as in all institutes and research centres.
•     Ensure a student-centred approach in the faculty and an excellent relationship with the faculty-student council.
•     Liaise with persons and institutions outside the University.
•     Liaise with external stakeholders and build partnerships at provincial, national and international level, for example, with other universities, the business sector, authorities, professional bodies, alumni, parents and other stakeholders.
•     Develop and build a very active internationalisation agenda for the faculty.
•     The Dean is a member of the Senate and reports to the Vice-Rector: Academic and is the chairperson of the faculty board of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Inherent Job Requirements

•    A doctorate (NQF Level 10) in any discipline related to natural and agricultural sciences.
•     A minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant experience in the higher-education sector, of which five (5) years must have been in a senior and strategic leadership position in a natural and agricultural sciences or related environment.
•     Academic work experience at higher-education level, with tangible international research relationships.
•     A proven research record.
•     A proven record of successfully negotiating research contracts with external organisations/funders.
•     Must be appointable as an associate professor/professor at the University of the Free State.

Competencies
Key Competencies Required:

•     Results orientation:
  •     The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
  •    The ability to be reliable, responsible and dependable and to fulfil obligations.
  •     The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
•     Strategic thinking:
  •    The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
  •   The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
•     Business acumen:
  •   Sound financial and operational management skills.
  •    Quality management of programme delivery.
  •     The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
•     Leadership:
  •    Proven general leadership ability and managerial experience.
  •    Good human relationships and the ability to unite people.
  •     The ability to cooperate with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
•     Building of coalitions:
  •     The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others.
  •     The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
  •     The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.