Senior Director:Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme

Senior Director:Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme DVC: RII 5-year fixed term contract

Recruiter

HR Genie

Job Ref

OK

Date posted

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Location

Gqeberha, South Africa

Salary

Market related

SUMMARY

The Senior Director Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme provides visionary intellectual, stra

POSITION INFO

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The Senior Director Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme provides visionary intellectual, strategic and operational leadership of Ocean Sciences as a transdisciplinary and transversal priority and strategic differentiator of Nelson Mandela University. This is achieved through a networked way of working in collaboration with relevant Executive Management (MANCO) members, Executive Deans, Directors of Professional, Administrative, and Support Services (PASS) divisions, entity leaders, and research chairs.

The core purpose of this position is to direct and cohere all strategic aspects of ocean sciences at Nelson Mandela University, including developing and implementing a forward-looking strategy to create an enabling and conducive ecosystem for academic, operational, and service delivery excellence. The incumbent will furthermore be responsible for coordinating efforts to address critical global challenges related to ocean health and resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth through pioneering inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Strategically lead and manage the following areas with respect to Ocean Sciences:

• Provide visionary, strategic, transformational, and transformative leadership and management of Ocean Sciences as a transversal priority.
• Coordinate and facilitate a transdisciplinary approach to ocean sciences learning and teaching, under- and postgraduate programme and curriculum development, and short learning programmes in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, all faculties, entities and Research Chairs.
• Coordinate and facilitate transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences research, postgraduate studies, innovation, and internationalisation in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, all faculties, entities and research chairs
• Strategically direct and manage collaborative transdisciplinary engagements, networks and partnerships in ocean sciences with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders nationally, on the African continent, and internationally in collaboration with the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and all faculties, entities and Research Chairs.
• Strategically direct and manage human, financial, and infrastructural (physical and digital) resources for ocean sciences in close collaboration with the Ocean Sciences Stakeholder Forum and relevant MANCO portfolios.
• Strategically direct and manage the branding and strategic positioning of Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Programme through impactful outreach, stakeholder engagement, communication, and marketing.
• Advance the long-term sustainability of the Programme through innovative, strategy-aligned resource mobilisation, budgeting and stewardship.

Core Competencies And Requirements

Core Competencies

• Proven experience of working with networked management models and complex systems, preferably in an academic environment
• Familiarity with the global ocean sciences landscape, including the challenges and opportunities relating to ocean health, climate change, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable coastal livelihoods.
• Excellent strategic, systems thinking and complex problem-solving abilities, with a demonstrated ability to innovate and create impact across institutional structures.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders and represent the University at national and international forums to position Ocean Sciences as a transversal strategic differentiator.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation capabilities.
• Established national and international networks and demonstrated experience in mobilising resources from diverse sources.
• Strong commitment to advancing diversity, social justice, transformation, and inclusion in in complex organisations and systems
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience in leading and managing the development, refurbishment and maintenance of large-scale infrastructure projects and facilities.

Requirements

To be considered for appointment to this post, candidates must have:

• A relevant doctoral degree or equivalent
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a senior management role in an organization of significant size and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex systems and projects and leading inter- and transdisciplinary teams.
• Prov