Vacancy: Director of SWOP |
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Faculty of Humanities
Director – Society Work & Development Institute (SWOP Institute)
The Society Work and Development Institute (SWOP Institute) is one of Wits’ flagship research units. With its launch as an Institute it has expanded its research agenda to include the environment, the state and society, whilst building on the 25 year reputation in the study of work, labour, informalisation, and households of its predecessor the Sociology of Work Unit. The Institute is dedicated to critical engagement with processes of transition, transformation and development in South Africa, the region and the global South, and is widely known for its in-depth ethnographic research strategies designed to analyse global transitions from below. The SWOP Institute has four main activities: scholarly research, policy research with partners ranging from the labour movement to the SA Presidency to the International Labour Organisation, public engagement, and postgraduate teaching in pursuit of our commitment to growing new generations of socially committed researchers.
Applications are invited for the position of Director. Suitable candidates will be leading scholars with strong intellectual networks within South Africa, in Africa and globally. The ability to engage with partners ranging from trade unions to senior government officials to funders is essential. The successful candidate will have the capacity to lead the SWOP Institute into a new phase of growth and expansion. S/he will provide energetic and imaginative intellectual leadership across the full range of the SWOP Institute's activities and interests. This is a three-year contract position with the option of renewal.
The Director will report to the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and will shape the SWOP Institute's activities in close consultation with staff, the Institute's advisory board, and the Dean. The appointment will be made at the level of Professor or Associate Professor.
Qualifications
Þ a PhD in a relevant discipline such is essential
Þ a substantial track record of research and publications
Þ appropriate administrative and fundraising experience
Responsibilities will include:
Þ providing research leadership for the Institute
Þ further enhancing its status as a cutting edge global research Institute
Þ Developing its national and international research networks and partnerships
Þ expanding its relationship with government and civil society
Þ day-to-day management of the Institute
Þ ensuring its long-term growth and development
Þ maintaining an enabling, supportive and collegial environment within the SWOP Institute
Þ forging synergies between the SWOP Institute, academic departments and other entities within the University
Þ expanding its fundraising activities, particularly to secure donor funding for core activities and salaries
Further information about the SWOP Institute is available from Christine Bischoff Christine [dot] Bischoff [at] wits [dot] ac [dot] za, or 011 7174464 or from the website, www.swopinstitute.org.za
Remuneration: dependent on qualifications and experience.
To apply: Submit a letter of motivation, a detailed CV, with the contact details (e-mail) of 3 referees, and three publications that demonstrate your intellectual qualities and interests to: Molly Orr, Humanities Human Resource Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa molly [dot] orr [at] wits [dot] ac [dot] za
Closing date: 28 May 2010