CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The Senior Director Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme provides visionary intellectual, strategic and operational leadership of Ocean Sciences as a transdisciplinary and transversal priority and strategic differentiator of Nelson Mandela University. This is achieved through a networked way of working in collaboration with relevant Executive Management (MANCO) members, Executive Deans, Directors of Professional, Administrative, and Support Services (PASS) divisions, entity leaders, and research chairs.

The core purpose of this position is to direct and cohere all strategic aspects of ocean sciences at Nelson Mandela University, including developing and implementing a forward-looking strategy to create an enabling and conducive ecosystem for academic, operational, and service delivery excellence. The incumbent will furthermore be responsible for coordinating efforts to address critical global challenges related to ocean health and resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth through pioneering inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

     Strategically lead  and manage the following areas with respect to Ocean Sciences:

• Provide visionary, strategic, transformational, and transformative leadership and management of Ocean Sciences as a transversal priority.
• Coordinate and facilitate a transdisciplinary approach to  ocean sciences learning and teaching, under- and postgraduate programme and curriculum development, and short learning programmes in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, all faculties, entities and Research Chairs.
• Coordinate and facilitate transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences research, postgraduate studies, innovation, and internationalisation in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, all faculties, entities and research chairs
• Strategically direct and manage collaborative transdisciplinary engagements, networks and partnerships in ocean sciences with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders nationally, on the African continent, and internationally in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and all faculties, entities and Research Chairs.
• Strategically direct and manage human, financial, and infrastructural (physical and digital) resources for ocean sciences in close collaboration with the Ocean Sciences Stakeholder Forum and relevant MANCO portfolios.
• Strategically direct and manage the branding and strategic positioning of Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme through impactful outreach, stakeholder engagement, communication, and marketing.
• Advance the long-term sustainability of the Programme through innovative, strategy-aligned resource mobilisation, budgeting and stewardship.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Core Competencies:

• Proven experience of working with networked management models and complex systems, preferably in an academic environment
• Familiarity with the global ocean sciences landscape, including the challenges and opportunities relating to ocean health, climate change, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable coastal livelihoods.
• Excellent strategic, systems thinking and complex problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated ability to innovate and create impact across institutional structures.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders and represent the University at national and international forums to position Ocean Sciences as a transversal strategic differentiator.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation capabilities.
• Established national and international networks and demonstrated experience in mobilising resources from diverse sources.
• Strong commitment to advancing diversity, social justice, transformation, and inclusion in in complex organisations and systems
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience in leading and managing the development, refurbishment and maintenance of large-scale infrastructure projects and facilities.

Requirements:

To be considered for appointment to this post, candidates must have:

• A relevant doctoral degree or equivalent
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior management role in an organization  of significant size and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex systems and projects and leading inter- and transdisciplinary teams.
• Proven success in fostering collaborative partnerships and networks at local, national, continental, and international levels.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo psychometric assessments. Furthermore, it is expected that all short-listed candidates will:

• Give express permission to undergo verifications of qualifications, publications, credit records, and criminal records as well as any other verification deemed appropriate by the University.
• Deliver a 15-minute presentation, the topic of which will be communicated timeously.
• Provide details of at least two individuals who could provide professional references.

Applications must be accompanied by a recent and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter stating how applicants satisfy the requirements in respect of each of the Key Performance Areas and Core Competencies, and the official Nelson Mandela University job application form.

*An application that does not comply with the advert's requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

CONTACT DETAILS

Direct all telephonic enquiries to Mr Lungisani Ntiyantiya at 041 504 1213 or via e-mail lungisani.ntiyantiya@mandela.ac.za

Terms of Appointment:This is a five-year fixed-term contract.

Closing date for all applications: