The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is committed to providing a safe institutional environment where all members of the Wits community can learn, work and engage in University duties and activities, free from all forms of gender inequities and Gender-Based Harm (GBH), including sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexism. Gender-Based Harm undermines the dignity and autonomy of those victimised, and erodes the academic project. The work of the Gender Equity Office (GEO) is undertaken in the context of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
The GEO was established in 2013 as an independent office to comprehensively and professionally address all forms of GBH on campus by:
- Compiling, monitoring and analysing GBH complaints from within the University;
- Providing dedicated support – including professional counselling – to complainants and victims of GBH;
- Discussing options for support and redress including, where relevant, disciplinary processes where the perpetrator is a Wits staff member or student;
- Managing independent hearing panels for disciplinary processes under a gender-sensitive procedure for gender-related misconduct and effectively and appropriately implementing these and other relevant policy procedures;
- Developing appropriate policies and procedures for dealing with GBH and gender inequities on campus; and
- Undertaking sustained and informed proactive advocacy interventions across campus to raise awareness about GBH and to advance gender equity.
As the GEO has been strengthened over the past decade, the university views the importance of locating matters related to gender inequities and GBH within the larger framework of social justice and institutional transformation.
The University seeks to appoint a Director to lead the GEO with expertise in law and/or gender and/or power relations and/or social justice on a full-time continuous basis.
Brief Description
The Director will be responsible for the following key performance areas:
- Providing leadership and operational management to the GEO, including managing the full-time and contracted staff members;
- Working strategically within the framework of social justice and institutional transformation, which requires developing a strategic plan for GBH alongside a broader Gender Equity and Transformation Plan;
- Providing strategic leadership on GBH-related issues on campus;
- Acting as the custodian, advocate and executing relevant University policies and procedures relating to combatting GBH;
- Representing GEO at various University meetings and fora and providing regular reports about the GEO’s work to all relevant University structures;
- Engaging with stakeholders regarding optimising proactive and current GBH-related interventions;
- Maintaining a contemporary, accurate complaints database;
- Managing GBH-related complaints and cases on behalf of complainants;
- Fundraising for Gender Equity and GBH support and interventions at Wits
- Overseeing the effective and appropriate interventions, investigations, and finalisation of GBH-related complaints; including representing the University in external fora where GEO processes must be defended on behalf of the University; and
- Managing the advocacy and prevention work of GEO.
Minimum appointment criteria:
- Postgraduate qualification (ideally a Master’s degree) in Law, Humanities, Social Sciences or cognate disciplines.
- At least five years’ experience in matters pertaining to gender, including activities such as research, advocacy or litigation.
- Substantial experience in social justice, law or an equivalent field, as well as an understanding of the psychosocial impact of GBH and/or violence.
- Proven ability to run and/or oversee litigation and disciplinary processes.
- Experience in advocacy and management, and, ideally, proven experience of operating within a matrix reporting structure.
- High levels of independent thinking, as well as demonstrated communication and conflict resolution skills.
- An understanding of the higher education landscape regulating social cohesion and university governance.
Remuneration: This position is offered on a full-time continuous basis and a remuneration package is offered commensurate with the seniority of the position.
How To Apply
Enquiries: Further information about the position is available from Professor Garth Stevens at
To apply: Submit a detailed CV with the names and contact details of three referees; certified copies of degrees and diplomas; and a cover letter motivating your application via the online recruitment portal at https://irec.wits.ac.za .
Closing Date: 26 April 2024
The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from under-represented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by candidates.
Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.