Government EntityUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
    LocationGauteng, Johannesburg
    Reference Number106823
    Centre / LocationJohannesburg,ZA
    Closing DateSeptember 11, 2026
    Source and Applicationwits.ac.za

    Organization: School of Therapeutic Sciences

                     UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

                                 HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: NURSING EDUCATION

                                              Faculty of Health Sciences

    The University of the Witwatersrand  invites applications from suitably qualified, dynamic and visionary academic leaders for appointment as Head of the Department of Nursing Education within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    The successful candidate will be an accomplished academic and strategic leader with an established record of excellence in teaching, research and academic leadership. The appointee will provide strategic direction to the Department, advance nursing education, research and innovation, develop the next generation of nursing practitioners, educators and researchers, and build collaborative relationships with the Gauteng Department of Health and other key stakeholders to advance the department's academic and professional mission.

    Minimum Requirements

    • A PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification in Nursing or a related discipline.
    • An established record of scholarship, including research publications and postgraduate supervision.
    • A proven track record of teaching, research and academic leadership within a higher education environment.
    • Preferably, current standing at professoriate level (Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor of Professor).
    • Where the candidate does not currently hold professoriate-level standing, they must demonstrate a trajectory that would qualify them for the award of such a title (Adjunct Professor or Associate Professor) within three years of appointment.

    Professional Registration

    • Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Nurse Educator
    • Registered as a constituent Assessor and Moderator with the SANC and/or a recognised Quality Council
    • A recognised Nursing Management qualification registered with the SANC, or an equivalent management qualification acceptable under the applicable SANC requirements
    Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
    • At least five (5) years' experience in a senior leadership or management position, with experience in leading academic programmes, nursing education or research programmes, preferably within a higher education environment.
    • Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, governance, financial and human resource management.
    • Experience in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education.
    • Knowledge of curriculum development, online and concept-based curricula, and educational innovation.
    • Demonstrated ability to integrate digital technologies into teaching, learning and research.
    • Sound knowledge of the Higher Education Act, the South African Nursing Act, the SANC regulatory framework, the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and other relevant legislative and accreditation requirements.
    • Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

    Key Responsibilities

     Leadership and Management

    •  Provide strategic leadership and effective management of the Department in alignment with the University's strategic priorities.
    • Lead and develop academic and professional staff while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, transformation and innovation.
    • Ensure sound governance, financial stewardship, resource management and compliance with University policies and relevant legislation.

     Teaching, Learning and Academic Excellence 

    • Lead the development, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes.
    •  Promote excellence in teaching, learning and student success.
    • Ensure programme quality, accreditation and regulatory compliance.

     Research, Scholarship and Innovation

    •  Grow the Department's research profile and scholarly output.
    • Foster interdisciplinary research, innovation and postgraduate supervision.
    • Create an enabling environment for nursing research, education and professional practice.

     Strategic Partnerships and Academic Citizenship

    • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with the Gauteng Department of Health, clinical training platforms, professional councils, regulatory bodies, healthcare institutions and national and international academic partners.
    • Promote the Department's reputation through collaboration, academic leadership, professional engagement and community service.

    Employment Equity and Verification

    The University of the Witwatersrand is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.

    All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.


    Term of Appointment

    The successful candidate will be appointed as Head of Department for a fixed term of five (5) years, renewable for a second term subject to satisfactory performance and the University's approval processes.
    The awarding of the title Professor/Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications, research and other academic criteria as determined by the faculty guidelines and approval at Staffing & Promotions when applied for. Click Click here for the Promotion Criteria.pdf

    Applications

    This is an internal advertisement. Applications are invited from suitably qualified full-time Wits employees within the teaching platform who meet the requirements of the position.
    Applicants must submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae and supporting documentation demonstrating their qualifications, academic and professional experience, leadership experience, teaching and research record, and suitability for the position.
     Enquiries: Professor H. Myezwa [email protected]
     Closing Date: 18 September 2026

     

    Requirements

    A PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification in Nursing or a related discipline. An established record of scholarship, including research publications and postgraduate supervision. A proven track record of teaching, research and academic leadership within a higher education environment. Preferably, current standing at professoriate level (Adjunct Professor, Associate Professor of Professor). Where the candidate does not currently hold professoriate-level standing, they must demonstrate a trajectory that would qualify them for the award of such a title (Adjunct Professor or Associate Professor) within three years of appointment. Professional Registration C urrent registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Nurse Educator Registered as a constituent Assessor and Moderator with the SANC and/or a recognised Quality Council A recognised Nursing Management qualification registered with the SANC, or an equivalent management qualification acceptable under the applicable SANC requirements Knowledge, Skills and Experience At least five (5) years' experience in a senior leadership or management position, with experience in leading academic programmes, nursing education or research programmes, preferably within a higher education environment. Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, governance, financial and human resource management. Experience in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. Knowledge of curriculum development, online and concept-based curricula, and educational innovation. Demonstrated ability to integrate digital technologies into teaching, learning and research. Sound knowledge of the Higher Education Act, the South African Nursing Act, the SANC regulatory framework, the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the South African Authority (SAQA) and other relevant legislative and accreditation requirements. Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management Provide strategic leadership and effective management of the Department in alignment with the University's strategic priorities. Lead and develop academic and professional staff while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, transformation and innovation. Ensure sound governance, financial stewardship, resource management and compliance with University policies and relevant legislation. Teaching, Learning and Academic Excellence Lead the development, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes. Promote excellence in teaching, learning and student success. Ensure programme quality, accreditation and regulatory compliance. Research, Scholarship and Innovation Grow the Department's research profile and scholarly output. Foster interdisciplinary research, innovation and postgraduate supervision. Create an enabling environment for nursing research, education and professional practice. Strategic Partnerships and Academic Citizenship Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with the Gauteng Department of Health, clinical training platforms, professional councils, regulatory bodies, healthcare institutions and national and international academic partners. Promote the Department's reputation through collaboration, academic leadership, professional engagement and community service. Employment Equity and Verification The University of the Witwatersrand is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials. Term of Appointment The successful candidate will be appointed as Head of Department for a fixed term of five (5) years, renewable for a second term subject to satisfactory performance and the University's approval processes. The awarding of the title Professor/Associate Professor/Adjunct Professor will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications, research and other academic criteria as determined by the faculty guidelines and approval at Staffing & Promotions when applied for. Click Click here for the Promotion Criteria.pdf Applications This is an internal advertisement . Applications are invited from suitably qualified full-time Wits employees within the teaching platform who meet the requirements of the position. Applicants must submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae and supporting documentation demonstrating their qualifications, academic and professional experience, leadership experience, teaching and research record, and suitability for the position. Enquiries: Professor H. Myezwa [email protected] Closing Date: 18 September 2026

    Source / Circular Reference

    wits.ac.za