Director: International Affairs - (1069) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities

• Promote and facilitate strategic international partnerships.
• Provide specialised services to international staff and students of the UFS and ensure their compliance with relevant legislation.
• Provide international scholarships and opportunities for UFS students.
• In consultation with the Directorate for Research Development, provide and facilitate international funding opportunities for UFS staff.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as the government, embassies in South Africa, science councils and funding agencies.
• Conduct research on internationalisation.
• Provide strategic and operational direction and action for the full spectrum of activities associated with the internationalisation agenda aligned to Vision 130 of the University of the Free State.
• Develop and implement plans to strengthen the internationalisation of the University of the Free State to realise its vision of being a research-led university.
• Manage the operational planning and effective utilisation of all available resources (physical, human and financial) to ensure the university's mandate and strategic direction are successfully understood and implemented.
• Oversee the coordinated approach of a broad range of interrelated programmes and services as they apply to international students.
• Represent the UFS where applicable and on committees and agencies as required.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A master’s degree on NQF Level 9 or equivalent.
• Minimum of eight years’ relevant working experience relating to most of the duties and responsibilities, of which at least five years should be in a managerial capacity.
• Proven international exposure to the higher-education or research environment of other countries.
• Preparedness to travel internationally.

Recommendations

• ​​​​​​​A doctoral degree on NQF Level 10.
• Leadership experience in the internationalisation of the higher-education environment.
• A proven track record of acquiring funding.
• International project leadership and management experience.
• A valid driver’s license.

Competencies
Key Competencies Required:

Results orientation:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Strategic thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• The ability to apply the principles of scientific diplomacy.
• The capability to develop strategy and operationalise strategy into plans and projects.

Business acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficiency in using MS Office.
• Knowledge of South Africa’s science and technology system, including the higher-education legal framework.
• Knowledge of the specific governance and policy framework directing the internationalisation of higher education in South Africa, including the Immigration Act.
• An understanding of financial management and budgeting.

Leadership:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and direction to others.
• The ability to cooperate with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building of coalitions:

• The ability to negotiate, sell, influence, and persuade others.
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to be sensitive to and understanding of the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Closing Date

3/9/2023