UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE
VACANCY NO: ORI/ 01/2024
Applications are invited for the position of Director, Okavango Research Institute (ORI) based in Maun in the North-West District of Botswana. ORI is a Natural Resource Management Research Institution with an international profile focusing on wetland and natural resource utilisation and management research in the Southern Africa region.
Fixed contract position: The appointment will be on a fixed term contract of between twenty-four (24) and sixty months (60).
Main purpose of the job: The Director, Research Institute is responsible for guiding and overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the Research Institute to enhance the academic profile of the University through multi-disciplinary research initiatives. The Director will also support the transfer of research outcomes into innovative and/or commercial products and services in line with the University’s goals and objectives.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to: (i) Contribute to the development of the University’s strategy and lead implementation at a research institute level; ii) Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive research institute strategic plan, policies, and procedures in line with the university's overall goals; iii) Monitors and evaluates the performance of the institute’s operations and research activities against established goals and objectives, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective action as needed; (iv) Provide visionary leadership and direction to the Institute staff and inspire innovation; (v) Ensure the institute's research agenda aligns with broader university goals; (vi) Oversee the Heads of Research and Unit managers in fostering multi-disciplinary research collaborations and initiatives; (vii) Promote research outcomes through publications, conferences, and public engagement; (viii) Facilitate the dissemination of research findings to internal and external stakeholders and identifies funding opportunities and lead the development of grant proposals to secure research and project funding (ix) Collaborate with UB Research & Innovation Services as well as industries, and other stakeholders for commercialization opportunities of research outcomes (x) Proactively market the Institute’s multidisciplinary technical expertise to Government agencies and other potential clients for consultancy work opportunities and oversee bids for, and implementation of, relevant consultancy work; (xi) Lead the development and optimal utilization of infrastructure required to undertake the Institution’s research initiatives; (xii) Ensure that research infrastructure is sustained and accessible to Institute staff, students, and other stakeholders; (xiii) Ensure efficient administrative and financial operations, IT infrastructure, and human resources support for research activities; (xiv) Leads and guides the ORI professional team to ensure effective interaction with the students, researchers, and other professional service functions that support research and innovation: and (xv) Undertake any other duties to ensure effective delivery of the Research and Innovation Services mandate.
Position Requirements: The requirements commensurate with the duties of the position are: (i) At least a PhD in any relevant field is required; (ii) A Master’s degree in Strategic Management or Business Administration would be an added advantage; (iii) A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience, five (5) of which should have been at senior management level in higher education or research and innovation-based institution within an academic setting; (iv) Member of recognized professional body.
Competencies: (i) Extensive research experience and a strong track record of scholarly achievements; (ii) Proven leadership experience in a research or academic setting; (iii) Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; and (iv) Ability to lead and inspire a diverse research community.
How to apply: Applicants are to address the stated duties, qualifications and or provide other information to assist the University determine their suitability for the position. They should also quote the vacancy number of the post applied for, provide current CV’s (Including telephone, telefax and email), certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, names and addresses of three referees and send complete documentation to: The Executive Assistant, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone: Botswana. Telephone: (267) 3552888/4290, Fax: (267) 318 5019; E-mail: selaov@ub.ac.bw. Applicants should inform their referees to: (i) Quote the Vacancy number and position applied for and (ii) submit their references directly to the above address, before the stipulated closing date. Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be processed.
Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Block 108, Admin New Wing Floor 3 Office 309.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: Open until filled.