Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and and Information Technology

Executive Dean: Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology

Department: Office of DVC: Learning and Teaching

Post code: 5067

Five-year fulltime fixed-term contract

North Campus

The motto of Nelson Mandela University’s Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology (EBET) is “Innovating tomorrow”. This people-centred faculty combines top-class facilities, state-of-the-art technology and stimulating training to produce highly sought-after graduates in the fields of Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical and Marine Engineering, Mechatronics, Information Technology, Applied Informatics, Quality and Operations Management, Building and Human Settlement Development, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Architecture, Architectural Technology, and Interior Design. To give expression to the University’s core purpose of being in the service of society, the faculty works in partnership with external organisations through cutting edge research and engages students as partners in generating innovative solutions and services.

We are seeking an Executive Dean of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology (EBET) who is a visionary leader that inspires commitment towards the faculty’s and University’s strategic goals, and fosters innovative approaches to advance transformative learning and teaching, research, innovation, internationalisation and engagement.

Core purpose of job: This position requires a strategic, transformative, transformational and visionary leader who embraces the vision, mission and values of Nelson Mandela University, and who will ensure that the Faculty’s goals align with the University’s Vision 2030 strategic framework. The Executive Dean is a member of the Senior Leadership team of the University and will be expected to contribute to furthering the strategic goals of the university and participate in and contribute to University-wide decision-making processes.

Key performance areas: Strategically lead and manage the following areas with respect to the EBET Faculty:

1. Transformative and transformational academic leadership
2. Learning and teaching
3. Research, innovation and internationalisation
4. Trans-disciplinary scholarship within the faculty
5. Internal and external engagement efforts
6. Human resources
7. Stewardship of financial and physical resources including the mobilisation of external funding
8. Marketing of the faculty

Core competencies:

• In depth knowledge of critical trends in higher education and wider society, and its impact on engineering, the built environment, and technology
• In-depth knowledge of the principles and trends in learning and teaching, research and engagement practices pertaining to the core cognitive domains in the faculty
• Internationalisation and globalisation of Higher Education
• Sound knowledge of university-specific operating principles
• Proven skills in and knowledge of effecting growth and innovation within a university environment
• Strong national and international networks and partnerships
• Familiar with higher education regulatory frameworks as well as relevant professional and regulatory processes

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

• A relevant doctoral degree
• At least five (5) years’ experience at a senior management level
• Registration with a statutory professional body pertaining to his/her discipline
• Demonstrated experience of managing in a complex environment
• Proven experience in managing and leading academic learning and teaching, research, and engagement

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.

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

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

Closing date for all applications: 25 April 2025

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right to not make an appointment.

In considering candidates for appointment into advertised posts, preference will be in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University’s Employment Equity Plan.