DIRECTOR: STRATEGIC INITIATIVES - TRANFORMATION AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) seeks to appoint an accomplished Director: Strategic Initiatives.

The Director: Strategic Initiatives provides strategic leadership in driving institutional priorities and ensuring the successful implementation of transformative initiatives aligned with the institution's vision, mission, and strategic objectives. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating institution-wide strategic projects, strengthening strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation systems, overseeing institutional compliance, and ensuring the integrity, quality, and effective utilization of institutional data for informed decision-making.

The position plays a pivotal role in translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes, fostering a culture of accountability, evidence-based planning, continuous improvement, and regulatory compliance across the institution.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Strategic Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Education Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Institutional Planning, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• A Doctoral qualification will be an added advantage.
• A field that includes substantial demonstrated expertise in Data and Statistical analysis will be an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years' relevant management experience in institutional performance management, monitoring and evaluation, compliance, project management, or a related environment.
• At least 5 years' experience at a senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic institutional initiatives, institutional performance management, and project management.
• Experience in data governance, institutional reporting, and performance monitoring systems.
• Organisational development within higher education or a comparable complex organisation.
• Sound knowledge of South African Higher Education sector governance frameworks and relevant legislation.
• Experience in the interpretation of relevant legislation, policies and statutory frameworks will be an added advantage.
• Proven experience in the coordination of complex cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Sound knowledge and/or experience of transformation projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution.
• Monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
• Project and programme management.
• Corporate governance and compliance frameworks.
• Data governance and institutional intelligence.
• Risk management principles.
• Proven experience in coordination of complex cross-functional strategic initiatives
• Monitoring and evaluation expertise.
• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Communication and negotiation skills.
• Team leadership and people management.

Total Remuneration Package inclusive of Benefits (13th Cheque, Medical Aid, Pension Fund, Group Life, Housing Allowance) and Study Benefits.

All applications must include the following, which are critical in evaluating each application received:

• A Self-Evaluation by the applicant showing how his/her competences and qualifications meet the requirements for appointment.
• University of Zululand Application Form.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Certified copies of all academic qualifications.
• Copy of Identity Document.
• Names and contact details of at least three (3) contactable work-related referees (one must be a current or recent superior).
• One confidential referee report to be emailed by one of the referees directly to the email address specified below.

To obtain the University of Zululand Application Form, please visit the University website and click on Vacancies ( http://www.unizulu.ac.za/vacancies). Applications must be submitted by emailing the completed Form, together with the required supporting documentation, to Ms N.N. Mdletshe at Sign in to view email