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Director

The Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), at the University of the Witwatersrand, is a leading Human Rights Law Centre that undertakes research, strategic litigation, teaching, and public interest advocacy. CALS is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the organisation as the Director for a renewable contract period of up to five (5) years.  The Director will be required to provide a new and offer strategic leadership to CALS especially in relation of a closer integration with the School of Law. The Director reports to the Head of the School of Law. Should the contract not be renewed, there may be a possibility to be absorbed into the School of Law.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Developing and implementing a strategic vision for CALS;
  • Driving academic research in CALS;
  • Leading the creation of an institutional culture conducive to achieving CALS’ vision, a collective approach to well-being and implementing transformation;
  • Guiding the development and/or change of focus of CALS’ programmatic work;
  • Managing the CALS staff;
  • Raising funds for CALS and managing donor relationships;
  • Financial oversight of the Centre;
  • Working closely with the university structures and advisory board to ensure sound organisational practices, accountability and compliance with university policies;
  • Engaging in academic research and publications, advocacy and teaching;
  • Engaging the media, government, the private sector, civil society, CALS’ clients, and international and regional institutions;

REQUIREMENTS:

A legal academic or professional at the level of Professor and Associate Professor (applicants should hold a PhD and must provide evidence of scholarly work published in accredited journals at the Professorial level or Associate Professor level) or Adjunct Professor (a professional or practitioner of stature with a distinguished record of expertise in his/her field).

The successful applicant will have a good understanding of the socio-economic environment in the country and the region, demonstrate a commitment to advancing social justice, have an understanding of CALS’ work, and be able to provide direction for a closer integration with the School of Law.

The successful candidate must possess leadership abilities and managerial competence, and show a record of legal advocacy.

Experience in raising funds and managing donor relationships, the ability to represent CALS in multiple forums and experience in developing networks, collaborations, and partnerships are also required for this position.

TO APPLY:

Please submit:
  • Cover letter detailing your experience and interest in human rights work and provide a brief summary of your vision for CALS, taking its position in the School of Law into account.
  • A detailed CV with three contactable referees
  • Certified copies of your matriculation certificate, ID document and degree or diploma certificates by registering your profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting your application. 
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 
Candidates who have not been contacted after two weeks since the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful. 
In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups, as defined in the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto. 
The University of the Witwatersrand reserves the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

CLOSING DATE: 14 JUNE 2024

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