CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

In terms of its Vision 2030, Nelson Mandela University strives to promote the public good through the expansion of human understanding, pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge, and cultivating socially conscious graduates who make a positive impact on society as responsible global citizens and leaders. Such an inspirational statement demands institutional and operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The Office of the Vice-Chancellor is considered to be the heartbeat of the university. It is therefore critical that its organisational structure accommodates and supports the changing demands being made on what has become a very complex leadership position, which over time has broadened significantly to accommodate wide-ranging demands including stakeholder matters, inter-institutional collaborations and partnerships, as well as internal and external responsibilities that have to be addressed to ensure institutional sustainability and ultimately, its flourishing.

The core purpose of the position is to provide executive support to the Vice-Chancellor in her capacity as the strategic leader of Nelson Mandela University.  The role manages and oversees operational aspects, including human, financial and other resources, supports and sustains a culture of service, professionalism and continuous improvement in the Vice-Chancellor’s office and related organisational units.  The role is also responsible for providing executive level committee support in line with the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities to Council, Senate, executive management and other responsibilities, including overseeing special projects.

Reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor. There may be dotted reporting lines to individuals designated by the Vice- Chancellor.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Enable and support the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership responsibilities (internal and external) including working closely with the Vice-Chancellor to plan and manage time effectively relating to short and long-term priorities and commitments of the role.
• Stakeholder engagement and institutional responsiveness, including ensuring open, professional and cordial channels of communication between the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and all relevant stakeholders.
• Support to and facilitation of incubatory strategic interventions and project management.
• Office Management, including working with other core staff in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor dealing with incoming and outgoing correspondence and emails and efficient operations of the Office.
• Financial management and reporting of the Office.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical/ professional knowledge and skill
• Strategic planning
• Budget and financial management
• People management including performance management
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Management of transformation and change management
• Emotional intelligence and social sensitivity
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Sound analytical and conceptualisation skills
• Project management skills
• Collaborative and collegial mindset
• Decision making and ability to work independently

REQUIREMENTS

M+4 qualification in a relevant field (e.g., education management, business administration, policy etc.) and 6 or more years’ working experience in higher education or a similar environment, including at least 5 years in a management role. In addition to the above requirements, candidates who possess the specifications below will have an added advantage:

• Sound knowledge and experience of corporate governance as well as legal, regulatory and policy environment, of the higher education sector.

SCREENING QUESTIONS

1. Do you have a M+4 qualification in a relevant field?

2. Do you have 6 or more years’ working experience in higher education or a similar environment including at least 5 years experience in a management role?