Dean: Internationalisation, Research and Postgraduate Studies

September 11, 2024

The Independent Institute of Education

Johannesburg

OTHER

Job Title: Dean: Internationalisation, Research and Postgraduate Studies
Reports to: Director - The IIE
Job Purpose:
The Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies is responsible for leading the strategic direction of this unit and implementing quality assurance and enhancement initiatives within The IIE. This role is critical in cultivating a culture of research excellence, drivingcutting-edge research initiatives , securing funding, establishing international partnerships, and leading the institutions community engagement imperatives. The Dean will also oversee the development and implementation of research policies, ethical governance, and knowledge management practices to support the institution's academic mission. In addition, they will support cutting-edge research initiatives, cultivate a strong research culture, and ensure that the university’s research aligns with international standards and practices.
Key Responsibilities:

Cultivating a Culture of Research Excellence

Lead and inspire a culture of research excellence across all faculties.
Develop and implement strategies to develop research capabilities and enhance quality research output .
Drive research innovation by identifying and promoting new areas of research.
Promote high-quality, impactful research and innovation across all faculties and disciplines, while facilitating access to necessary resources, technology, and collaboration opportunities.
Mentor and support researchers and faculty, fostering an academic culture that prioritises continuous learning, professional development, and collaboration.

Research and Internationalisation

Establish and strengthen relationships with local and international universities, research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to support collaboration in research.
3. Funding and Resource Management

Identify and facilitate the acquisition of local and external funding, including international research grants, collaborations with industry, and government funding, to support research initiatives. .Manage research budgets and resources effectively to maximize impact.
Oversee the allocation of research grants and funding within the institution.

Community Engagement

Define the strategic imperatives for institutional community engagement and translate this into imperatives with metrics.
Support the brands to implement, track and report on their community engagement in the three key dimensions (work integrated learning, organised outreach and community-based research)

Assess and communicate the impact of community engagement initiatives, highlighting contributions to societal well-being and the role of the institution in addressing community needs.
Establish partnerships with local, regional, and international communities, businesses, governments, and NGOs to address societal needs and enhance the institutions societal impact.
Lead initiatives that align with the institutions' community engagement strategy and connect research outcomes with community benefits.

Research Policies, Procedures, and Governance

Develop, implement, and monitor research policies and procedures to ensure compliance with ethical standards and alignment with best practices.
Oversee the governance of research activities, including tracking, consolidation, and KPI reporting of research activities.

Journal and Conferencing Management

Establish, maintain, promote and manage accredited institutional publications that meet DHET accreditation requirements .
Lead out international conferences in the name of the institution.

Information Services and Knowledge Management

Oversee the management of information services that support research activities.
Implement knowledge management practices to ensure that research data and findings are effectively captured, stored, and utilized.
Facilitate access to research resources and information for faculty and students.

Qualifications and experience:

A doctoral degree in a relevant field.
Proven track record of research excellence and leadership in a higher education context.
Strong understanding of research funding mechanisms and experience in securing external funding.
Significant postgraduate supervision experience and publication record.
Experience in developing and implementing research policies and procedures.

Skills and Competencies:

Strategic leadership and vision in research and academic administration.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships and collaborations.
Proficiency in knowledge management and information services.

Experience:

Extensive experience in research management, including a leadership role in research strategy development.
Experience in advancing research partnerships and collaborations.
Proven ability to manage research budgets and resources effectively.