Head: Student Governance - Department of Student Affairs at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Strategic management:

• Develop strategic plan in contribution to the department strategy;
• Manage the review and implementation of the student governance constitution, including student elections and the establishment of sub-council committees;
• Facilitate and manage the student elections and the establishment of sub-council committees;
• Work closely with the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC), Independent Monitoring Body (IMB), auditors, and all relevant structures and individuals involved in the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections for both elective and ex-officio portfolios;
• Ensure that student leaders are aware of relevant constitutions and policies, and also update and implement them in their respective domains;
• Ensure that the relevant committees comply with applicable policies and guidelines;
• Oversee the Constitutional Tribunal activities;

Administrative management:

• Manage and provide support to the SRC and sub-council committees;
• Assist committees with annual planning and budgeting and monitor the implementation thereof;
• Serve as an advisor and offer guidance regarding project management and events planning;
• Intervene to assist committees in resolving internal conflicts, overlaps and gaps in portfolio functions, etc.;
• Monitor the performance of SRC and all SRC structures (Constitutional Tribunal, Student Disciplinary and Advisory Panel (SDAP) and Societies structures affiliated, etc.) and annual performance contracting and review;

Training programs:

• Manage and coordinate relevant training programs for the SRC;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the student leadership curriculum;

Strategic events and projects:

• Oversee and provide input for events for interactive student life calendar;
• Develop, implement and evaluate programs within the division;
• Coordinate and manage developmental projects and events;
• Provide input for the integrated leadership training programme;

Human Resources and Financial management:

• Manage Human Resources and Finances within the portfolio in accordance with university policies and guidelines, and ensure adherence to these standards.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field;
• A total of seven years’ experience, with at least two years in management, in:   
• Higher education, as an academic or a professional service staff member, that includes a proven record of leadership in a management position, and working with students and faculties;
• Working with students in the area of student development and advice;
• Leadership training and facilitation of workshops/seminars/colloquia;
• Working with students in the area of student development, guidance and leadership.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge and/or interest in student governance structures;
• Policy development and implementation;
• Coordination of projects and events;
• Training and development;
• Knowledge of financial processes;

Technical competencies:

• Applicable computer software packages;
• Exceptional writing skills;
• Research skills;

Behavioural competencies:

• Good interpersonal skills;
• Ability to lead and manage teams;
• Good and accurate communication skills (written and spoken);
• Sensitivity to a diverse environment;
• Planning, organizing, and prioritizing skills;
• Professionalism;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Analytical skills;

Ability to:

• Treat information with high confidentiality;
• Manage staff challenges;
• Work under pressure;
• Lead and manage a team;
• Conceptualize and to formulate;
• Work independently;
• Facilitation skills;
• Negotiating skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Organizational ability.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A Doctoral (PhD) degree;
• Valid driver’s licence;
• A total of three years’ experience in the effective use of technical skills to give effect to working in virtual platforms.