Director of The Centre for Social Research

The Centre for Social Research (CSR) is a research institute in the Faculty of Social Science at Chancellor College in Zomba. The CSR is headed by a Director who reports to the Principal of Chancellor College through the Dean of the Faculty of Social Science. The Centre has been in existence since 1979 and contributes significantly towards the design and conduct of social science research in Malawi and the Southern African region. Presently, the research conducted by the Centre focuses on three priority areas namely (i) the social, cultural and economic aspects of public health; (ii)democracy and governance and (iii) poverty and sustainable livelihoods. The Centre has created sustainable research partnerships across the globe and works very closely with various government departments, civil society organisations and development partners. The position of Director at CSR is falling vacant soon and Chancellor College is therefore seeking a suitable candidate to fill this challenging position. The Director is responsible for the development and achievement of CSR’s research and management strategy as well as its performance indicators and targets, and the efficient, effective and equitable operation of CSR.

Job description of the Director of CSR

• Provide leadership in the development of a new Strategic Plan which will define the next stage of CSR’s development in line with the wider Chancellor College plans as well as the University of Malawi as a whole.

• Promote and support the development and entrenchment of a research environment which is intellectually challenging and stimulating and focused upon the achievement of research strategies and targets.

• Build and provide sufficient support for a community of innovative researchers to enhance research capacity at Chancellor College and to increase internal and external research opportunities for faculty, affiliates, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students.

• Further develop the Centre’s regional and international profile and enhance partnerships through representation, engagement and the development of strong linkages with development partners, civil society organisations and governments.

• Lead the process of identifying financial and other resources to enhance research and postgraduate training as well as ensuring proper discharge of administrative duties of the CSR including supervising personnel, financial management and operations

• Ensure that all studies conducted by the Centre and all its affiliates are implemented in accordance with the University of Malawi Research and Consultancy Policy and that all studies comply with IRB and other requirements of the National Council of Science and Technology.

• Institutionalise knowledge transfer initiatives between the Centre which generates evidence and the users of research results both within and outside the University.

• Serving as a secretary to the Advisory/Management Committee/Board of the Centre

• Performing any other duties assigned by Principal and the Dean from time to time.

Qualifications and requirements

As someone who will be responsible for research and administrative leadership, mentorship, resource mobilization and management, the Director must possess skills in social science research with not less than 10 years of post-qualification experience in academic research and training. Specifically he should:

• Have a PhD in any field in the social sciences namely anthropology, sociology, economics, development studies, history, population studies, political science, public administration and any other related.

• Academically be at the rank of senior lecturer/senior research fellow and above.

• Extensive social science research experience.

• Successful track record of academic leadership, mentorship and team building.

• Experience in writing grant proposals.

Applications

Applications for this position should be sent to:

The Registrar,

Chancellor College,

P.O. Box 280,

Zomba.

Envelopes should clearly be written “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH”. Applications by email should be sent to registrar@cc.ac.mw and the subject should be “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH”. The deadline for receiving applications is 31st March 2016.