Academic Coordinator: Postgraduate Studies at University of the Western Cape/Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is one of the research-led teaching and learning universities in South Africa, with the capacity to produce and advance new knowledge and the translation of this knowledge into societal benefits through innovative endeavours. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue higher education and emerge as agents of change. 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides financial, social and academic support to a diverse range of talented undergraduate and postgraduate students who are financially and socially impeded, with a focus on young women, refugees and displaced youth, persons with disability and young men, from South Africa and other parts of the African continent. 

The primary focus of this position is to provide comprehensive academic support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC to ensure their academic success. The Academic Coordinator: Postgraduate Studies will work with the faculty offices, the Research Development and Postgraduate Support department, academic staff and other postgraduate support structures at UWC to ensure that Mastercard Foundation Scholars receive comprehensive academic support for successful academic progression throughout their studies at UWC.

Accountable to the Program Director: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and reporting to the Program Director and Director: Research Development and Postgraduate Support, the responsibilities of the Academic Coordinator: Postgraduate Studies will include the following:

• Design and implement a year – round academic support programme for postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars;
• Raise awareness of academic support programmes (e.g. writing workshops) and other related opportunities at UWC and facilitate the participation of Mastercard Foundation Scholars in these programmes;
• Facilitate the academic admission and enrolment of postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars to UWC;
• Monitor and evaluate the academic progress of Mastercard Foundation Scholars, identify Scholars at risk and identify and implement interventions to support them;
• Regularly assess the support interventions so as to inform adjustments and realignments in the support programmes;
• Collate and maintain data/statistics on postgraduate Scholars of the Program; 
• Compile, together with the Program Director, UWC’s monthly and quarterly reports for submission to the Mastercard Foundation;
• Coordinate the submission of annual academic progress reports of Mastercard Foundation Scholars in liaison with their supervisors;
• Identify resources and develop processes for improving Scholars’performance;
• Respond to all enquiries pertaining to postgraduate academic matters from Mastercard Foundation Scholars and relevant stakeholders;
• Serve as a conduit between Mastercard Foundation Scholars and their supervisors prior to their arrival at UWC and while at the University;
• Participate in the annual on-boarding programme for new postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC;
• Ensure the smooth running of academic administrative services that support the postgraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UWC;

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience)

• A research-based Master’s degree in a related field at an NQF level 9 or an equivalent qualification.
• Knowledge and experience of relevant academic administration processes.
• Proven work experience in higher education with evidence of working with students to achieve academic success.

The undermentioned attributes would be added advantage: 

• Knowledge and experience of research administration management processes (RAMS).
• Knowledge and experience of participating in the management of programmes that involve postgraduate students.
• A proven track record of leadership and good people skills.

Required competencies (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes)

• Ability to handle multiple projects in a calm demeanour and meet all relevant deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written and communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Student-orientated disposition.
• Knowledge of quality assurance processes.
• Programme development and implementation capabilities.

Note:
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of the Western Cape was launched in July 2023. As the Program evolves during its implementation, the Academic Co-ordinator: Postgraduate Studies will be expected to perform other additional responsibilities as delegated by the Director.