Acting Head of Faculty: Commerce

The Acting Head of Faculty:
Commerce is responsible for the interim academic leadership, strategic
oversight, and operational management of the Faculty of Commerce. This role
requires maintaining academic quality, managing staff and programmes, and
ensuring continued alignment with regulatory frameworks during the acting
period. The incumbent will provide continuity of leadership and support the
institution’s vision of academic excellence, innovation, and regulatory
compliance.

 Key Responsibilities

1. Faculty Leadership and
Management

• Provide
  academic leadership to the Faculty of Commerce during the acting period.
  
• Supervise
  Programme Coordinators, Lecturers and all professional support personnel
  in the Faculty.
  
• Manage
  teaching, learning, and assessment processes across all commerce-related
  qualifications.
  
• Oversee
  faculty meetings and ensure clear communication of institutional
  directives.
  

2. Academic Quality and
Programme Oversight

• Ensure
  the implementation of existing academic programmes is in line with CHE,
  DHET, and SAQA standards.
  
• Monitor
  curriculum delivery, quality assurance mechanisms, and student performance
  indicators.
  
• Facilitate
  the review and enhancement of course material in consultation with
  relevant stakeholders.
  

3. Compliance and Governance

• Ensure
  adherence to institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and
  accreditation standards.
  
• Represent
  the Faculty at internal governance structures including Senate and
  relevant committees.
  
• Support
  preparations for audits, site visits, and external reviews.
  

4. Staff Development and
Coordination

• Support
  the professional growth of academic staff through mentoring and resource
  provision.
  
• Ensure
  Independent Contractors and part-time staff are inducted and managed
  appropriately.
  
• Monitor
  academic performance and teaching evaluations.
  

5. Student Support and
Engagement

• Address
  escalated academic queries and support initiatives that promote student
  success.
  
• Facilitate
  student engagement activities aligned to academic goals.
  
• Monitor
  at-risk student reports and coordinate interventions with student support
  teams.
  

6. Reporting and
Administration

• Submit
  regular performance and progress reports to the Chief Academic Officer.
  
• Maintain
  oversight of faculty documentation, databases, and communication.
  
• Ensure
  effective coordination of examination processes and moderation activities.
  

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Master’s
  degree in a Commerce-related field (minimum).
  
• Doctorate
  or progress toward a Doctorate will be an advantage.
  

Experience:

• At
  least 3 years of academic experience in higher education.
  
• Previous
  coordination or leadership role within an academic department or faculty.
  
• Experience
  with distance learning and academic compliance frameworks.
  

 Competencies:

• Strong
  interpersonal and leadership skills.
  
• Working
  knowledge of CHE, DHET, and SAQA frameworks.
  
• Ability
  to manage teams, workflows, and academic operations under pressure.
  
• Excellent
  written and verbal communication skills.
  

 Appointment Context

This is a temporary acting
role designed to ensure stability and continuity of academic operations in the
Faculty of Commerce. The Acting Head will perform all necessary functions of
the substantive role while also preparing for a smooth handover upon conclusion
of the acting period.