Job TitleHead Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships Office (AD05)LocationJohannesburg,ZAOrganization NameResearch and Innovation SupportDepartment Description

The main purpose of this position/job is to:

Provide leadership for the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with local and international academic institutions that will advance the University s strategic intentions in the spheres of research (including student research), innovation, and teaching.

Ongoing evaluation of Wits international standing and partnerships, and craft a dynamic way forward for the University to be recognised as a leading international university in Africa by 2033. To this end, the incumbent will be expected to develop a 5-year internationalisation strategy based on the objectives of the Wits 2033 strategic framework. This should be supplemented by a rolling implementation and operational plan aimed at enhancing Wits reputation through internationalisation activities, including participation in selected University ranking systems.

To fulfill this role, the incumbent will manage a small team of practitioners in the International Strategic Partnerships Office (ISPO), which is part of the broader Research Office. Activities will need to be coordinated and integrated with other divisions within the University, to ensure the effective and streamlined management of external stakeholders.

Brief DescriptionKey responsibilities and activities include the following:
Lead the development of local and international partnerships that will advance priority fields of research (including student research) and innovation and teaching. Critically evaluate partnerships and mobility frameworks to ensure that they remain relevant and productive. Collate and make the best use of information on the most promising opportunities locally and internationally, especially with regards to potential partners and funding opportunities, related to the University s strategic priorities. Develop and renew contracts, policies and procedures associated with partnerships and internationalisation activities. Develop standards, methods and procedures for effective collaboration (including benchmarking). Maintain a database of local and international linkages that seeks to achieve comprehensive and current information, especially for strategic planning and stewardship purposes. Lead and implement due diligence exercises to assess and mitigate risks related to local and international partnerships. Provide support to faculties in the development of their specific partnerships that are sustainable and aligned with the University s strategic priorities. Position the University in relation to regional and global opportunities (e.g., BRICS) Represent the University at various network meetings (e.g., ARUA, CIVIS, Una Europa, ACU, etc.). Provide a secretariat function for ARUA. Integrate activities within the University related to partnerships through working closely with other Divisions, e.g. the Advancement Division, Wits representatives in other countries, and the International Students Office. Provide regular reports to relevant University committees on current and planned future local and international partnerships. Service a cross-portfolio internationalisation committee (a sub-committee of the University Research and Innovation Committee) whose function will be to formulate, monitor and review Wits strategy on local and international partnerships,
as well as related policies and protocols. Chair the University s Rankings Committee whose function is to advise strategically on appropriate rankings to prioritise, to ensure that accurate and appropriate data are sourced and supplied and to engage with the agencies on outcomes,
especially where they may be unfavourable. Management of the ISPO budget that includes seed-funding programmes with strategic partners. Contribute to funding proposals including assistance with budgeting. Lead and manage a team of practitioners, including assessments of staff performance.

Required Academic Qualification/s, competences, and experience.
PhD Degree or equivalent. A minimum of ten years experience in University partnership development, implementation, and management and a thorough knowledge of diplomacy. A confident and fluent capacity to interact at the executive levels of organisations. Knowledge of the higher education sector in South Africa and around the world. Familiarity with the international funding landscape including international mobility schemes. Current knowledge of issues relating to internationalisation, higher education development, organisation, policy and management both within South Africa and internationally. Strong interpretive ability to match institutional needs with external opportunities. Excellent communication and writing skills in English. Proven experience in overseeing and managing a busy team and the related administrative functions. The capacity to monitor and assess the benefits from various initiatives including seed-funding. Strong financial planning and management acumen. Familiarity with the main international University ranking systems and their functioning.

Desirable requirements:
Diplomacy Studies or equivalent / cognate course / qualification
Detailed DescriptionJob RequirementsAdditional DetailsHow To ApplySubmit a detailed CV with names, email addresses and contact details of 3 referees, certified copies of degrees and diplomas, and covering letter.
External applicants are invited to apply, by registering your profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting your application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/ Apply for a job
The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.
Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise

Closing date:15 November 2024Minimum SalaryMaximum SalaryCurrencyAmount of TravelWork At Home