A University that distinguishes itself as caring for people and on its academic excellence, agility, responsiveness and transformation principles, invites applications for the position of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal that will steer a value-driven institution where impact matters. The University ranks number one in South Africa on Employer Reputation, International Research Networks and Sustainability as well as featuring quite prominently on Student Engagement.
VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a leading research-intensive university in South Africa, with an outstanding local, continental and global reputation for teaching and learning, research excellence, student access and success, as well as engaging our communities. The Universitys nine faculties and its business school offer a wide variety of under- and postgraduate programmes, which are recognised internationally and accredited by the regulatory authorities and professional bodies. The University contributes a significant percentage of South Africas well-trained and innovative graduates whose employability is rated as first by reputable ranking agencies. UP produces responsible and productive citizens, and future leaders in many levels of society and across industries. Teaching and learning excellence is supported by impactful and wide-ranging research, underpinned by innovation, collaboration and inter- and trans-disciplinarity. Research that offers solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing our country, our region and the globe, lies at the core of the Universitys Strategic Plan, UP 2025/26 and Beyond.
The University is seeking a Vice-Chancellor and Principal who has a clear understanding of the needs of a diverse student body, their contemporary challenges and how to advance a holistic support programme that enhances student success in numerous aspects of their campus life.
UP has a stellar international reputation founded on collaborations and partnerships that advance its Teaching and Learning, Research and Community Engagement agenda, positioning it to make a real impact on both the local communities it serves and the world.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is expected to drive a Digital Transformation strategy that permeates all areas of UPs operations and the academic agenda of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is the head of the University, responsible for the academic stature of the institution and its effective and efficient management. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is accountable to the University Council and is assisted in the management and administration of the University, by the members of the Executive and the senior management team.
Duties
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is the Chief Executive Officer of the University. As such, the incumbent is expected to be a strategic, innovative, inspirational/transformative leader with a clear understanding of the Higher Education sector both in South Africa and internationally. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is expected to have a superior working knowledge of the legislation and reporting regulations that govern higher education in South Africa. The Vice-Chancellor will drive the Universitys Strategic Plan, approved by Council, with conviction, courage, integrity and a deep commitment to teaching and research excellence, social justice and the achievement of a transformed institution. Among other duties, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal is expected to demonstrate knowledge of the funding arrangements for higher education, be an avid fundraiser with a solid track record, and have a deeper understanding of the financial health and sustainability of universities. The successful candidate will demonstrate a people-centred approach, exceptional communication, negotiation, conflict and multi-party resolution skills and other competencies that will accelerate the Universitys standing in higher education. In addition, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal is expected to have the commitment to drive a dynamic institutional culture towards the attainment of the institutional goals.
Requirements
- A recognised doctoral qualification from an accredited institution in the juristic area where the degree was earned.
- A proven record of academic excellence and a recognised academic standing evidenced by a national and international body of scholarship in the field of specialisation, and other impactful academic and community engagement contributions.
- A minimum of eight years of proven leadership success at an executive level having progressed through the academic/management hierarchy.
- Proven leadership, management and communication skills at senior management level in higher education.
- An ability to successfully manage leadership teams, and to empower, motivate and unite staff, students and other stakeholders to achieve the shared objectives of the institution.
- Experience of human resources and financial management appropriate to the level of appointment.
- An in-depth knowledge and a strategic understanding of the national and international higher education sector and the challenges confronting it.
- A commitment to harnessing technology to achieve the strategic objectives of the University and to support the University in preparing graduates fit for the workplace of the future.
- A commitment to sustaining and further developing a student-centred, transformed, inclusive and multilingual culture for all stakeholders, especially students.
- A well-developed national and international network that will support growth for the University and its stakeholders.
- A well-developed understanding of the compliance universe of the University and the operational environment within which universities function.
- A valid drivers licence.
Application process: An application consisting of: (1) a written acceptance of the applicable regulation governing the appointment process and the timeframe; (2) a declaration of intent (vision statement); (3) a comprehensive curriculum vitae; (4) an abridged curriculum vitae; and (5) the names and contact details of at least three contactable referees must reach the Office of the Director: Human Resources by no later than 12:00 on 15 September 2023. The University reserves the right to contact current and previous employers in the reference check process with due consideration of the relevant privacy legislation provisions. Applications should be emailed to directorhrvc@up.ac.za or submitted online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP with the correct reference number. Only applications received on, or before the deadline by means of the method indicated, will be considered.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to the verification of personal credentials and competency assessments and the publication of their CV and letter of intent to members of the Senate, Institutional Forum and Council.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings, as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised position.
