Head of Department: Agronomy

SUMMARY:
The University of Fort Hare is inviting applications from appropriately qualified and experienced candidates for the role of Head of Department in the Department of Agronomy.

The University of Fort Hare is seeking to appoint a Head of Department (HOD) who will oversee the management of academic curricula, staff, and student administration processes in alignment with institutional policies, rules, and faculty guidelines. The incumbent will lead and manage the department to realize its full potential, ensuring excellence across all areas of academic activity. This role is integral to the University’s leadership, requiring the HOD to understand and contribute to the broader University Strategic Plan, including its vision, mission, goals, and targets, while also managing the daily operations of the department within the Faculty.
 
This is a 3-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for one additional 3-year term, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing and a satisfactory performance assessment.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements:

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

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

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

• 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.
• Translate strategic goals into operational plans, leading the department to implement these plans and contribute to the department's strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership in research and postgraduate studies, ensuring that the department meets the University and Faculty’s research goals and targets.
• 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.
• Ensure the performance of all staff in the department aligns with departmental and faculty plans, which contribute to the goals and targets stated in the University’s Annual Performance Plan and Institutional Operational Plan
• Develop and implement staff retention mechanisms by promoting continuous professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Oversee the programs and modules offered by the department, ensuring the implementation of all related University policies, rules, and procedures.
• 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.
• Control expenditure against departmental budgets and manage information about research budgets and expenditure within the department.
• 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. Contribute to the faculty planning and budget management process.
• Represent the department within Faculty and University structures and committees.
• 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.