Head of Department : Agronomy

Position: Senior Lecturer (preferably at Associate Professor or Professor level)

Minimum Requirements:

1. 5 years experience in the higher education sector, of which 2 years in an academic leadership role
2. Extensive undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research experience
3. A credible track record of high-quality academic work
4. A track record of international and national accredited research publications commensurate with the academic rank of Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor or Full Professor
5. Postgraduate supervision experience including successful Doctoral supervision
6. Evidence of successful national/international fundraising for research
7. Experience of effectively line-managing individual members of staff and teams

Added Advantages:

1. Recognition as an established scholar in a chosen area of research (e.g., NRF rating, international keynote addresses/plenary lectures)
2. Experience in managing budgets and academic programmes (Research and Teaching)
3. Familiarity with the administrative and management systems of the University

Skills and Competencies:

1. Strong interpersonal communication skills including negotiation and influencing
2. Ability to manage difficult situations
3. Ability to set and communicate a clear vision and expectations for departmental and individual performance
4. Integrity, keeping promises, following through on commitments, demonstrating the values expected of others
5. Commitment to excellence in academic endeavors
6. Commitment to nurturing talent, recognizing contributions and providing opportunities for professional development
7. Commitment to challenging poor performance and inappropriate behavior
8. Qualification/courses in higher education teaching and learning/Recognition for teaching
9. Evidence of professional and academic standing at national and international levels
10. Evidence of academic leadership and mentorship of early career academics
11. Evidence of successfully hosting post-doctoral research fellows
12. Evidence of national and international collaboration
13. Evidence of community engagement integrated with teaching, learning or research

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop academic and operational plans for the department in consultation with the Dean, ensuring alignment with the Faculty's Operational Plans and the University's Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan, and Institutional Operational Plans
2. Translate strategic goals into operational plans, leading the department to implement these plans and contribute to the department's strategic objectives
3. Provide leadership in research and postgraduate studies, ensuring that the department meets the University and Faculty's research goals and targets
4. Promote excellence in research and innovation among both students and staff, establishing mechanisms that emphasize the importance of research and development, and facilitating research grant funding applications
5. Ensure the performance of all staff in the department aligns with departmental and faculty plans, contributing to the goals and targets stated in the University's Annual Performance Plan and Institutional Operational Plan
6. Develop and implement staff retention mechanisms by promoting continuous professional development and career advancement opportunities
7. Oversee the programs and modules offered by the department, ensuring the implementation of all related University policies, rules, and procedures
8. Foster positive morale and cohesiveness within the department, managing and motivating all staff to provide students with a quality education in a positive, encouraging, and effective working environment
9. Control expenditure against departmental budgets and manage information about research budgets and expenditure within the department
10. Support and improve the department's financial viability by developing new and innovative programs and modules, sourcing funds from third-stream sources, and improving the graduation rate
11. Contribute to the faculty planning and budget management process
12. Represent the department within Faculty and University structures and committees
13. Ensure the safety of staff, students, and property within the department, safeguarding students, staff, and visitors from physical risks, and always adhering to safe working standards and procedures

Closing Date: 21 April 2025

To apply: Interested applicants who meet the criteria are invited to: