PRO-VICE CHANCELLOR, RESEARCH INNOVATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION – University of Zimbabwe 337 views

The University of Zimbabwe is inviting suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for
Executive positions that have arisen in the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, the Pro-Vice Chancellor Research Innovation and
Industrialisation will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and
monitoring of University policies, systems and procedures to promote a relevant, productive and
futuristic University research-innovation-industrialisation ecosystem model that undergirds the
institution’s industrialisation and commercialisation agenda in line with its Vision and Strategic
Plan. This is a University Executive position and calls for a competent, strategic, and focused
individual with an understanding of national Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy and the
role of higher education institutions towards Zimbabwe’s National Vision 2030 and beyond.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inspired by the University of Zimbabwe’s Vision, Mission and Philosophy, and informed by the
institution’s outcome-based Strategic Plan, the specific duties and responsibilities of the Pro-Vice
Chancellor Research Innovation and Industrialisation will include:

1. Championing the development and functioning of the University’s research innovation-
industrialisation ecosystem that inter-connects research and academic institutions, industry,

entrepreneurs and societal needs through the production of relevant goods and services;
2. Oversee the development, implementation and management of the University’s research
innovation, industrialisation and business development Projects, Programmes and
Partnerships;
3. Providing strategic leadership for the generation and monetization of Intellectual Property (IPs)
by Faculties, Departments, Institutes and Centres and their collaborating partners through
promotion of a culture of research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the University
students, staff and key stakeholders;
4. Oversee the operationalization of the Innovation Hub, Industrial Park and Industrial Incubation
Centre in promoting the development and advancement of prototypes, new technologies and
products, start-ups and commercialisation models, and the promotion of University business
interests;
5. Lead the development of policy and institutional frameworks for promoting effective
management of the University’s Intellectual Property;

6. Developing and/or promoting implementation policies and mechanisms for taking research
and innovation outputs and outcomes from faculties, and institutes, including collaborating
external partners industry, commerce and the general citizenry through the Innovation Hub
and Industrial Park(s) towards the University’s broader industrialisation and commercialisation
agenda;
7. Providing strategic leadership in the development of policies, systems and procedures that
guide the University’s industrial and commercial business partnerships and joint ventures;
8. Promote the integration of research, innovation and industrialisation processes and outputs
into University teaching and learning and community outreach structures and systems;
9. Promoting scientific, technological and knowledge platforms for communicating and
advancing research and innovation methodologies, processes, outputs and outcomes for
national economic development;
10. Promoting the internationalisation of the University’s research and innovation processes and
outputs;
11. Performing any other duties and functions of the University as assigned by the Vice
Chancellor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should be a leading researcher and academic at Associate Professor
or Full Professor level, exhibiting a high level of academic and professional maturity,
hardworking and with the ability to pay attention to detail among other desirable professional
attributes. He/she should also have excellent written and oral communication skills and good
research leadership skills. The candidate should have, among other attributes:

i. An earned PhD/DPhil Degree from a recognized University;
ii. Relevant experience at the University level in research and innovation and any of the five
missions of Education 5.0;
iii. Relevant administrative and professional development experience working with diverse
stakeholders in academia locally and internationally;
iv. An excellent record of resource mobilisation and fund-raising;
v. Track record of success in collaborative research and academic partnerships, and
‘putting research into use’;
vi. A record of serving on University Committees;
vii. A proven record of published scholarship as well as on providing academic mentorship;
viii. Commitment to academic excellence and innovation to address societal problems.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

i. Clear knowledge of the national socio-economic development objectives and aspirations
for Zimbabwe;
ii. In-depth understanding of Zimbabwe’s development aspirations in the context of Africa
and Global development challenges;
iii. Ability to clearly articulate the transformative role of higher and tertiary education
institutions in Zimbabwe’s development;
iv. Clear understanding of Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 in the context of the National
Industrialisation and Modernisation Agenda and the Role of Innovation Hubs and Industrial
Parks;
v. A high level of diligence and ability to work without supervision;
vi. Use of ICT in higher education and academic institutions;

vii. Be able to cultivate inquisitiveness in the institution, resulting in new thinking and ground-
breaking ideas that benefit the national developmental cause;

viii. Open-minded, future-focused, team-builder, innovative and always seeking to add value
to the University of Zimbabwe Brand.