Director (Medical or Healthcare - 3 Years Contract Renewable - Wits PRICELESS SA)

Additional information: The University of the Witwatersrand is dedicated to advancing knowledge and transforming lives. PRICELESS is at the forefront of innovative economic and legal research that informs policy decisions, promotes health equity, and fosters sustainable health systems. It impacts not only South Africa but also sets a benchmark for global health standards.

Are you a pioneering leader ready to shape the future of public health? Do you have a deep understanding of best buys for health? Are you committed to researching the social, economic, and commercial determinants of health, and supporting universal access to quality health care? Do you have a passion for driving multidisciplinary innovative research that improves health outcomes for South Africans and beyond? Are you a thought leader in the field of public health?

The University of the Witwatersrand invites you to apply for the prestigious role of Director of our cutting-edge Health Economics, Decision Science, Law and Policy Research Unit.

Main purpose of the job:

To lead Priceless, both internally and externally, including leading the development and delivery of the Priceless strategy. This Director is responsible for managing the financial health of Priceless through securing funding as well as overseeing the compliant and appropriate management of all financial matters. The Director is also responsible for building influential stakeholder relationships, managing the governance and stakeholder engagement responsibilities, leading the staff, and managing delivery of the Priceless programme and strategy.

Location:

Wits School of Public Health, Parktown – Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

1. Develop and drive the strategy and direction for the Unit that maintains and grows its impact and relevance in the health economics, law, and policy environment.
2. Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of researchers and scholars.
3. Develop and execute a visionary research agenda that addresses critical health economic and policy challenges.
4. Collaborate with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy and practice.
5. Secure funding and manage resources to sustain and expand the Unit’s research initiatives.
6. Mentor the next generation of health economists and policy experts.

Required minimum education and training:

PhD or MBBCH Degree or equivalent in Health Economic, Health Law or Public Health, or a related field with an associate professor qualification.

Required minimum work experience:

5 – 10 years’ experience working in a senior position in a research environment with areas of expertise in grant funding, stakeholder engagement, strategy development, and implementation in a health research environment.

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

1. Outstanding academic record.
2. Skilled at networking and influencing stakeholders and thought leaders.
3. Confident and competent at engaging with the media.
4. Experienced in working and directing multidisciplinary teams.
5. Practical experience in conducting health research using qualitative and/or quantitative designs.
6. Resilient and energetic.
7. Systematic and quality focused.
8. Tactful, respectful, and non-judgmental.
9. Good administrative skills.
10. Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines.
11. Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a diverse/multidisciplinary team.
12. Assertive and confident.
13. Collaborative and adaptable.
14. Able to lead and manage compliance across the organization.
15. Experienced in development, maintenance, and implementation of policies and procedures.
16. Experience in teaching and supervision.

TO APPLY: Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV. Please Apply Online. Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.

The closing date for all applications: 30 September 2024.