Manager: Higher Degrees Academic Support (P003103) (Re-Advertisement) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The Manager will be responsible for the establishment, ongoing management and implementation of Higher Degrees Academic Support projects in the Postgraduate Support Centre, focusing on intervention/improvement themes stipulated in the NWU Higher degrees Improvement Plan as approved by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
• This role is responsible for planning, executing, and completing projects on time within the allocated budget as agreed with key programme stakeholders including DHET (through the University Capacity Development Grant).
• The Manager will also provide support and guidance on the Higher Degrees Academic Support programme, projects, processes and procedures, tools and training within the institution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme Management

• Planning and management of Higher Degrees improvement projects.
• Manage resources effectively and efficiently to ensure the budget and project plan objectives are met.
• Developing, documenting and maintaining, frameworks and tools for Higher Degrees Academic Support interventions.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with the Higher Degrees Improvement Plan.
• Preparation of progress reports to the Higher Degrees Committee.
• Monitoring and reporting on the DHET Universities Capacity Development Grants (UCDG).
• Identifying risks/gaps, developing and implementing mitigation plans.

Relationship Management and Training

• Manage professional relationships with Higher Degrees internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing training and guidance to colleagues across the institution to develop Higher Degrees Support capabilities.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and/or participate in internal Postgraduate improvement initiatives.
• Conducts project reviews to assess outcomes of interventions/improvements, against CHE Doctoral Review report to the NWU, and other national reports.
• Document and communicate all lessons learned.

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor’s degree honours or equivalent (NQF level 8).
• Membership with the Southern African Research and Innovation Management (SARIMA).
• A minimum of five (5) years’ project management experience.
• A minimum of one (1) year’ operational experience in Higher Degrees environment.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• A master’s degree (NQF level 9).
• A minimum of two (2) years’ research experience.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Project management from inception through to conceptualization, development and implementation of project management plans, standard operating procedures and effective management of the project timeline.
• Project Planning & Execution – Develop necessary protocols, manuals and operational guidelines for the strategic projects.
• Sufficient level of technical background to accurately and objectively evaluate project risks.
• Planning, organising, supporting, supervising, disseminating, higher degrees support projects.
• Managing multi-phase projects.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Good interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Time management abilities and the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal skills including mentoring, coaching, collaborating, and team building.
• Strong analytical and planning skills with the ability to manage competing demands.

Apply by: 21 October 2025