POSITION OF DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR – RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

2.1 Job Purpose: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation provides leadership and strategic direction and oversees the development and implementation of the University’s strategic goals in the area of research, innovation, consultancy, grants and partnerships in line with the Higher Education Act No.4 of 2013, as amended.

2.2 Key Responsibilities

a) Leadership and Governance

• Provides leadership for research, innovation and consultancy;
• Ensures that all University activities and operations on research, innovation and consultancy are carried out in compliance with the University governance requirements, and any regulations, rules, laws, codes and standards;
• Facilitates setting and implementation of the University Research and Innovation Agenda;
• Spearheads the linkage of the University Research and Innovation Agenda to the National, Regional and Global research and innovation frameworks;
• Inculcates active research and innovative culture in the University.
• Ensures regular reporting of research and innovation activities to the Vice-Chancellor; and
• Contributes to public service and intellectual life.

b) Strategy and Management

• Develops and implements the University Research Innovation and Consultancy Strategy;
• Formulates and implements University Research Innovation and Consultancy Policies;
• Strengthens the University’s position as one of the world-class Institutions in research and innovation;
• Fosters linkages with stakeholders, such as government, industry and communities;
• Ensures an effective performance management system for research, innovation and consultancy; and
• Builds up strong management and leadership teams for research, innovation and consultancy.

c) Research, Innovation and Consultancy

• Provides an effective environment that promotes productivity in research, innovation and consultancy;
• Strengthens the University’s position as a leading research, innovation and consultancy institution;
• Presides at all meetings of the Senate Committees on research, innovation and consultancy;
• Identifies and negotiates collaborative agreements on behalf of the University to attain its mission, goals and objectives;
• Spearheads the sourcing of consultancy opportunities;
• Administers and manages research grants and contracts;
• Ensures quality research output and publication in high-impact journals;
• Ensures patenting of Intellectual Property and commercialization of University research outputs;
• Develops Innovation Hubs and Industrial Parks in the University;
• Ensures high research standards; adherence to ethics and reporting standards of all funders;
• Facilitates the establishment of research infrastructure; and
• Collaborates with national, regional and international Research Institutes.

d) Financial Management

• Mobilises financial resources for research and innovation activities; and
• Spearheads the generation of financial resources through research, innovation and consultancies in order to contribute to the financial sustainability of the University.

e) Human Capital

• Ensures that the University has appropriate capacity and competences in research, innovation and consultancy;
• Establishes an environment that promotes staff discipline, motivation and productivity; and
• Performs staff performance appraisals.

2.3 Qualifications and Experience

a) Must be Associate Professor or above;
b) Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent;
c) Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field from a reputable University;
d) Master’s degree in any relevant field from a reputable University;
e) Must have an earned PhD from a reputable university;
f) At least ten (10) years of work experience post PhD qualification at senior management level in a higher education institution or a comparable organisation;

g) Must show evidence of quality research output and publication in high-impact journals in the past two years.
h) Must demonstrate ability to source funds and show proof of revenue generation in the past three (3) years.
i) Must be an active member of a professional body.

2.4 PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

a) People management skills
b) Visionary
c) Creative thinking
d) Self-motivation
e) Open minded
f) Ability to work under pressure.
g) Self-confidence
h) Teamwork
i) Entrepreneurial Skills
j) Assertiveness

2.5 TENURE

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation is appointed for an initial term of four (4) years, renewable for a similar period depending on performance.

2.6 REMUNERATION

The University offers a competitive remuneration package to the individual appointed to this position.