Director

DIRECTOR

Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

FACULTY OF COMMERCE

The Faculty of Commerce seeks to appoint a director of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance. The position reports to the Faculty Dean.

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is a graduate school dedicated to fostering ethical, transformative leadership and strengthening public governance across the African continent. The school offers academic programmes designed to equip public servants, policymakers, and civil society actors with the skills and knowledge to drive developmental change. These programmes focus on strategic leadership, practice-informed change-making, and context-driven governance solutions. The school boasts a robust research programme which encompasses the following broad research areas, democratic governance, developmental regionalism, sustainable development, social inclusion, and public policy implementation on the African continent. The school has established itself as a key convenor of Pan-African leadership networks, strengthening partnerships and dialogue across sectors and nations.

The director will lead the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance campus and the Memorial Centre. The Centre is envisioned to serve as a global public space for reflection, dialogue, and contemplation.

The main purpose of the position of Director is to provide strategic leadership in building the school, grow the academic programme and consolidate the research agenda. The ideal candidate will combine academic excellence, strategic leadership capabilities, and practical experience in governance and / or policymaking. They must demonstrate the ability to expand the school’s networks, enhance its global standing, and foster innovation in teaching, research, and public engagement.

To view and apply for this position, please visit the UCT Jobs site View  (For Internal Applicants)  and  View  (For external Applicants) to create a profile and to submit your application.

Closing date: 15 August 2025             Reference: ID 1141

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at http://www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.