The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall teaching and learning, research, community engagement, and administrative management of the department. S/he will provide support to the Department/Faculty in pursuit of its academic objectives. S/he will serve on various committees including the Senate and Faculty Board. Other responsibilities include overseeing the departments finances and ensuring budget delivery targets are met each year, human resource recruitment and management, curriculum development, student academic development, quality assurance, academic programme management, and the development of research capacity within the Department/Faculty.
Heads of Department are appointed on a contract basis in addition to their substantive employment.
Minimum Requirement
Professor P5
- PhD/Doctorate NQF 10 in Agriculture
- Ten years (10) relevant experience lecturing experience
- Proven track record in teaching, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagement.
- Proven track record of supervising postgraduate students at Master's and Doctoral levels.
- Evidence of successful curriculum development
- High academic and professional standing in the field of expertise and high academic credibility among peers
- Strategic planning and implementation experience
- Knowledge and experience in implementing quality assurance requirements.
- PhD/Doctorate NQF 10 in Agriculture
- At least eight (8) years relevant lecturing experience
- Proven track record in teaching and learning, research (including publications in accredited journals) and community engagement.
- Proven track record of supervising postgraduate students at Masters and Doctoral levels.
- Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.
- Minimum of three years in a leadership position at the level of course coordinator or equivalent
- PhD/Doctorate NQF 10 in Agriculture
- A minimum of five (5) years of relevant teaching experience at a university or industry/science council experience.
- Evidence of managing a research program and some publications (seven or more) in accredited journal/s, as well as postgraduate research supervision.
- Relevant research and publication record as an established scholar.
- Research supervision experience at Honours, Masters and PhD levels.
- Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
- Evidence of active participation in professional and/or community activities.
- Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.
- Track record of administration, management and/or leadership roles at department and faculty levels.
- Excellent computer skills
- Demonstrable leadership and/or management experience;
- Ability to develop a strategic vision and mission for the Department;
- Leadership and management competencies inclusive of the ability to lead and manage a diverse group of academics and programmes in the areas of Teaching Practice and WIL;
- Knowledge of DHET policies and of the higher education sector in general;
- Knowledge of SPU policies and procedures
- Develop relevant reports as and when required
- Ability to provide innovative leadership in initiating, developing and reviewing academic programmes;
- Knowledge and experience in implementing quality assurance requirements;
- Demonstrate competencies and skills in change management and transformation; and
- Proven experience in liaising with external stakeholders
- Specialisation in Crop Science/Agronomy
- NRF rating or potential to be NRF rated.
- Evidence of managing research projects and the ability to attract project funding.
- Academic management and leadership experience.
Teaching and Learning:
- Utilize innovative and effective teaching methods to engage students and enhance their understanding of modules linked to Agriculture.
- Mentor and advise students in research projects and academic pursuits.
- The HOD must be an established researcher with active and impactful research linked to the Foundations of Education and/or Teaching Practice and work-integrated learning.
- Publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed and accredited journals.
- Provide evidence of securing external funding through grants and collaborations.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of education curricula.
- Integrate emerging educational technologies and pedagogical approaches into course materials.
- Collaborate with local schools, organizations, and communities to promote teaching practice and work-integrated learning activities.
- Integrate community engagement interventions into the curriculum.
- Report on own involvement in professional, industry and/or community activities.
- Participate in outreach programmes aimed at fostering interest in Teaching Practice and WIL activities.
- The HOD must stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and best practices.
- Engage in professional development activities to enhance teaching, research and supervision capabilities.
- Academic citizenship:
- Contribute to departmental and university service through committee participation.
- Provide leadership and support in advancing the goals of the department and institution.
- The HOD must develop an operational plan for the department in consultation with the Dean of the Faculty.
- Initiate, formulate and implement a visionary academic strategy for the department that is aligned with and supportive of the guiding strategic documents of SPU and the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.
- Frequent and continuous planning and execution of plans, general organising and coordinating of staff, students and activities, mentoring and motivating staff, structuring, and exercising overall control.
- The HOD is pivotal in linking the departments staff and students with the University's management and administration through communication, negotiation and consultation.
- The HOD must represent the interests of the department in the Faculty Board, Senate and more widely.
- The HOD should hold regular departmental seminars to promote intellectual vigour and rigour in the discipline.
- The HOD should hold departmental meetings at least once every two months. Minutes should be kept and confirmed, and used for producing action lists with deadlines. He/she should ensure a good flow of information to staff, especially as regards to policies and procedures.
- The HOD is responsible for staff planning (include succession planning), staff development, the development of a departmental employment equity plan (in consultation with the Dean of Faculty), and the carrying out of this plan. The head must carry out annual staff appraisals.
- The HOD is responsible for safety in his/her department. This includes ensuring that students, staff and visitors to the department are safeguarded and protected from physical risk, and that safe working standards and procedures are always adhered to.
- The HOD is responsible for the control of expenditure against departmental budgets and has the right to information about research budgets and research expenditure of members of the department.
- The HOD is responsible for the equipment and assets assigned or on loan to the department and for the departmental asset register.
Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.
Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.
