Specialist: Student Capacity Building at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

• Developing, implementing, facilitating and monitoring a wide range of training and awareness activities for the strategic achievement of the UP-Transformation plan and objectives;
• Developing and enabling an inclusive, diverse and transformed learning environment;
• Facilitating the conceptualisation and implementation of programmes and interventions for students at the university including, but not limited to, gender diversity and gender-based violence;
• Conducting advocacy, campaigns and strategic communications on transformation, inclusivity and diversity;
• Engaging stakeholders in the University community to address student issues of inclusivity by building capacity and creating a support network of peers;
• Engaging with students to encourage the infusion of inclusive language and behaviour in contact areas;
• Supporting Transformation and Change Committees through management of the Transformation Agenda across faculties;
• Drafting reports on University transformation progress to internal forums and external stakeholders such as Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and SETA;
• Identifying policies, procedures and processes that need to be updated to ensure they are as inclusive as possible;

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology, Human Resources Management, Social Sciences or any other relevant field;

A total of 3 years’ experience as follows:

• Experience in advocacy and facilitation of transformation, diversity and social justice projects and initiatives;
• Experience in implementing student capacity building programs in the education sector;
• Experience in building the capacity of students to influence change;
• Experience in project co-ordination, management and implementation.
• A valid drivers licence.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Good project planning and management skills;
• Good knowledge of behavioural science;
• Sound knowledge of all relevant legislation (Labour Relations Act, EE Act, Skills Development Act, etc.);
• Excellent knowledge of gender-based violence management;
• Knowledge of organisational learning and change theory;
• Ability to deal with complex issues;
• The ability to liaise and negotiate at a senior level;
• Ability to command respect and credibility and display consistently high levels of personal integrity and ethical standards;
• Ability to work with stakeholders in a matrix management environment;
• Thorough understanding of good governance;
• Good strategic and change management skills;
• Administrative management skills;
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills;
• Good persuasive and conflict management skills;
• Excellent counselling and team facilitation skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Masters’ Degree in Industrial Psychology, Human Resources Management, Social Sciences or other relevant field;

A total of 2 years’ experience as follows:

• Experience at a Higher Education institution;
• Established networks in the area of transformation or social justice;
• Experience in Curriculum design.