Director: Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful incumbent’s responsibilities will include but not limited to the following:

• Provide strategic and operational direction and action for the full spectrum of activities associated with the internationalisation priorities outlined in the University’s strategic plans;
• Develop and implement appropriate strategic plans and funding mechanisms for the internationalisation of the University's activities of teaching and learning, research and community engagement;
• Work with Deans and Directors to nurture existing key strategic international partnerships and cultivate new ones;
• Develop and oversee the implementation of memoranda of understanding or specific agreements with other institutions, and with networks, both locally and internationally;
• Develop and implement systems and processes for the effective management of international partnerships at UP;
• Establish new initiatives to increase participation in international exchange programmes and enhance exchange programs to ensure reciprocity;
• Oversee the coordination of a broad range of interrelated programmes and services as they apply to international students; and
• Oversee the provision of specialised services to international staff and students of the University.
• Liaise with government bodies, foreign authorities, ambassadors, and funding agencies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD, preferably in a SET, planning, marketing, internationalisation, finance and economics, management or similar field;
• At least five years’ related proven experience in a senior managerial capacity in a higher education institution;
• At least three years’ proven experience in the research funding and internationalisation landscape within South Africa or elsewhere; and
• At least three years’ proven experience in successful major fundraising initiatives.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES  (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

The successful candidate will have advanced proficiency in the following knowledge and technical competencies:

• The research funding and internationalisation landscape in South Africa, Africa and globally;
• Skills and knowledge concerning strategy development and implementation, information management, and management of international programmes;
• Executive management skills (HR, Finance, Negotiations, etc.);
• Exceptional written and spoken communication and language skills in English;
• Proven high-level proposal-writing and presentation skills; and
• Systems development and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills;
• Attention to detail;
• The ability to work independently as well as within a team;
• The ability to lead cross-functional teams even without formal authority;
• Critical reasoning, strategic thinking and analytical skills;
• Excellent time management; and
• The ability to identify and resolve problems.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• Proven experience of influencing and leading cross-functional teams and of change management; and
• Ability to communicate in any European or Asian language