Academic Head of Department

Job Description

The University of the Witwatersrand is seeking a distinguished Academic Head of Department for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The role involves providing visionary leadership, driving innovation, and fostering excellence in clinical service, teaching, research, and academic administration within the School of Clinical Medicine.

Requirements

• Registration as a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• At least 10 years’ experience in obstetrics and gynaecology
• Demonstrated academic and clinical leadership
• PhD or substantial publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Significant experience in university administration at a senior level
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams
• Ability to manage change and build academic capacity
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills
• Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor, or Full Professor per Wits academic criteria

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and academic leadership to position the department as a centre of excellence
• Develop, implement, and monitor academic programs aligned with the University’s teaching and learning strategy
• Oversee curriculum development
• Ensure high-quality teaching and maintain rigorous academic standards
• Promote and grow research activity
• Foster partnerships and support postgraduate supervision and research training
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture through transparent decision-making
• Manage human, financial, and infrastructural resources efficiently
• Represent the department within the School Executive Committee
• Participate actively in broader faculty governance
• Promote stakeholder engagement, social responsibility, and academic collaboration
• Provide support and oversight to academic divisions within the department
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical and teaching platforms
• Uphold service delivery standards and quality assurance across all department activities
• Conduct clinical work within area of expertise for no more than 20% of time