UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
VACANCY NO. IRC938
DIRECTOR
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to lead the initiation, review, development and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes which will enhance the capacity and capability of the University and its associated and affiliated institutions to carry out a high standard of research and innovation; and the management and monitoring of consultancies undertaken by the university.
Primary duties: The candidate will also be expected to (i) Provide leadership and direction in developing a policy framework for the University’s academic publications programme; (ii) formulate policy, planning and the management of research centres, institutes and programmes; (iii) act as the University management advisor on matters relating to the development and funding of research and innovation programmes and liaises with the library, faculties, centres and institutes throughout the University; (iv) identify areas needing research and topics of particular interest to national and international themes and donors and keeps the University and its affiliated and associate institutions informed on a regular basis; (v) provide professional and technical advice in the development of research proposals and initiatives with strong communication and negotiating skills to acquire research grants, research funding and expansion of research budget; (vi) liaise with Deans of Faculty, Directors of academic centres, Heads of Academic support units in developing research programmes, identifying sources of funding and consultancy opportunities including interdisciplinary/interdepartmental research and partnerships with other institutions, external agencies and individuals on behalf of the University; (vii) manage and monitor the implementation of the University research plans and consultancy activities and alerts appropriate officials when corrective action is necessary; (viii) coordinate the promotion of research by establishing appropriate communication channels and sources of funding and research administration throughout the University; (ix) identify training needs and arranges workshops for upgrading of staff and students knowledge and skills in research methodology, techniques of data analysis, report writing, research administration, publishing etc; (x) coordinate the organisation of national and international research workshops seminars and symposia by units of the University; (xi) conduct and arrange for review of research programmes and ensures that research grantees comply with contracts and prepare regular progress report of projects throughout university; (xii) recruit staff into the Department and supervise their activities to meet set performance objectives and targets of the Department and take corrective action in accordance with the laid down procedures, rules and regulations of the University; (xiii) prepare and review the Department’s budget, human resources plans and estimates, and monitor the expenditure to ensure that plans and budgets are not compromised; (xiv) report on the University research output and innovation and promote the use and adaption of information technology in research and innovation.
Job Requirements: The requirements are commensurate with the duties of the position, these are; (i) Doctoral degree in any academic discipline and attainment of the rank of Associate Professor or proven research leadership; (ii) Ten (10) years experience in an academic or research institution preferably in a University or other knowledge-based organization; (iii) Three (3) of which should have been at a senior management with an extensive record of research, consultancies and innovation; (iv) sound knowledge of developing policies, strategic plans, research programmes, their implementation and review.
Competencies: (i) Outstanding knowledge of University management systems and the environment in which they operate is key to the position; (ii) Experience in research, innovation and scholarly publications management is essential; (iii) Demonstrable success in attracting large and managing research grants and contracts; (iv) Research proposal development and management of research and consultancy teams are key competencies; (v) Demonstrable experience in coordinating research programmes and consultancies at a University level or in the management of research institute/centre; (vi) Experience in research methodologies, training and mentoring of researchers are important for capacity building; (vii) A sound knowledge of computer skills and use of modern information technology; (viii) Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills, analytic skills, understanding and familiarity with multi-disciplinary research; and (ix) Excellent abilities in report writing, budgeting, project analysis, monitoring and evaluation of programme are important.
Remuneration: The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the University, please visit our website; www.ub.bw
Applicants are to address the stated duties ad requirements 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, tele-fax and email), certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, and Three (3) references and send complete documentation to: Deputy Director, Human Resources (Academic), Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana; Telephone: (267) 355 4155/4153/2250, Fax (+267) 397 4796. Email: makhwade@ub.ac.bw. Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be acknowledged.
Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Block 108, Admin New Wing Floor 2 Office 205.
NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
Closing Date 26th February 2021