System Administrator - WISL N002996 at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of the role is to facilitate the expansion and implementation of work integrated learning (WIL) programmes within the NWU. The incumbent together with the WISL Academic Advisor will liaise with internal and external networks on WISL matters, advise faculties from an operational perspective on matters related to the operations, monitoring, administering, management and control of the WISL system, oversee the implementation of the various faculty projects from inception to completion, and liaise with and manage relationships with the appointed Technology Partner, Student Academic Life-cycle Administration, Faculties and its WISL coordinators, IT, CTL and other internal and external service providers that form part of the learning programmes’ delivery model. The incumbent will be responsible for the maintenance of a centralised electronic administrative and management WISL System to the NWU to alleviate the workload and speed up processes for the placement, monitoring, assessment, and reporting of WIL and SL.

The position of System Administrator for WISL focuses on the management, coordination, supervising and training of users and fulfil a Helpdesk role in the process. The position requires intricate knowledge of, and skills within of the WISL system as well as insight into the placement processes in each faculty /school.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Compliance and performance pertinent to the WISL system environment:

• Drive system enhancements
• Strategic planning with stakeholders in providing solutions to support the core business and to achieve goals.
• Operationalise implemented solutions.
• Monitor accuracy and testing of WISL system maintenance and updates.
• Ensure coordinated user training.
• Assist in making business decisions relating to WISL implementation, modification, and maintenance.
• Maintaining optimal levels of process performances.
• Liaise with product owners of WISL in different faculties.
• Enhance relationship between users and providers of system and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and ensure user participation in WISL.
• Give input to budget to sustain WISL system.
• Track and communicate status of business initiative solutions to stakeholders.

    Coordination, liaison, and collaboration:

• Liaise with product owners in providing holistic solutions.
• Ensure that new system enhancements and solutions adhere to policies and procedures.
• Understanding of business environment.
• Enhance relationship (interaction) between users and providers (technology partner) of system and stakeholders.
• Participation in all system and system related projects and events.
• Give input to all agreements/plans and budgets that relate to WISL.
• Track and communicate status of business initiative solutions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate and coordinate with cross-functional teams to develop and enhance business processes.

    Functional management of processes, procedures, and practises:

• Ongoing engagement and communication with internal and external stakeholders to maintain the operational requirements (cost management and effectiveness) of a WISL system for the NWU; and coordinate with other NWU support units.
• Ensure cost-effective design, development and implementation of functional processes, procedure, and practises according to approved requirements, standards, and methodologies.
• Analyse, measure and monitor business processes and provide feedback on performances.
• Implement and support business process and best practises, optimisation, and standardisation.
• Identify and evaluate key risk areas within business systems.
• Quality insurance- first line of testing of functionalities.
• Submission of formal compliance and progress reports.
• Manage system parameters, user access and securities.

    Liaison, Marketing and Outreach:

• Do effective planning and budgeting for business continuation.
• Initiate and participate in project teams, communication, and collaboration with practitioners at the NWU pertaining to:
• Adoption of WISL within faculties.
• Guidance and advise on the initiation and implementation of WISL within faculties.
• Optimise WISL implementation within faculties.
• Support faculty WIL Offices with enquiries related to the WISL system and the use of the system.

    Establish a Help Desk in the Centralised WISL Office:

• Manage the operational matters pertaining to the Work Integrated and Service Learning (WISL) placement, Data management and reporting system, as well as the extensive liaison with stakeholders.
• Support faculty WIL Offices with enquiries related to the WISL and the system in the use of the system, as well as capturing of emerging needs that might require design improvements.
• Training of WISL System users and updating of user manuals to assist users.

   Ad-hoc projects as determined by the Director of CTLF:

• Completion of assigned ad-hoc projects related to WISL.

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in Education.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience within a blended learning environment based on good educational principles.
• A mnimum of 5 years’ proven record of system, IT or Learning Design project management.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a work integrated and service-learning support environment.\
• A mnimum of 5 years’ experience in the design and development of WISL services that meet the requirements for the classroom of the future and WIL placement in decentralised facilities.

RECOMMENDATION / ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• A bachelor of Science or a bachelor of Arts degree (NQF level 7) in Information Technology, Information Science or any related discipline.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• In-depth knowledge of work integrated and service-learning systems and implementation.
• Computer literate in MS Office.
• Proficiency in at least two official languages.
• Familiarity with various operating systems and platforms.
• Resourcefulness and problem-solving aptitude.
• Knowledge of, and experience in the AGILE design and development approach.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• A self-starter, problem-solver, with the ability to operate independently.
• The ability to work as part of a team and respond to feedback from various sources.
• Good organisational and time-management abilities.
• Proactive, organised and priority driven.
• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, organisational and communicative skills.
• Proven ability and enthusiasm for working with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external).