Active Jobs at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Drive the strategic objectives and KPIs of Executive Education per the UFS Business School Strategy. 
• Contribute to the strategic planning process for the executive education unit. 
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities in executive education. 
• Develop new program initiatives and partnerships to expand the unit's offerings. 
• Oversee the development and delivery of executive education programs. 
• Manage the daily operations and staff activities of the Executive Education Unit.
• Actively pursue sales and new business creation for Executive Education. 
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients and sponsors. 
• Quality management of promotional materials, including brochures, website content, and social media campaigns. 
• Implement quality control measures to ensure the highest standards in program delivery. 
• Assist in preparing and managing the unit’s budget 
• Budget control, expenditure, and quality management of ad-hoc claims.
• Monitor program expenses and revenues, ensuring financial targets are met. 
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and accreditation requirements. 
• Tender and proposal writing.

Inherent requirements:

• Master's degree on NQF Level 9 in Business Management or related field.
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in a Business School environment.
• Proven experience in forming networks and linkages between higher education and industry.
• Proven ability to develop and implement B2B sales strategies

Recommendations:

• Ability to develop and implement strategies to expand the business school’s partnerships, enrolment, and program offerings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively pitch programs and partnerships.
• Experience in sales, particularly in selling educational programs or services to individuals and organisations.
• Analytical skills to analyse data related to enrolment, market trends, and campaign effectiveness to inform business development strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners, alumni, and other educational institutions to foster collaboration and growth opportunities.
• Develop and meet business development targets, such as student enrolment goals, corporate partnerships, and revenue growth.
• Proficiency in computer skills, e.g., MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

People Management

• Collaborate closely with the team to ensure the successful completion of projects.
• Prioritise work to resolve technical emergencies as they may occur.
• Ensure that the division members have sufficient information to perform their duties.
• Monitor the progress of the work of staff in the unit.
• Mentor/coach employees in the unit.
• Manage performance management discussions and plans of staff in the unit.
• Encourage staff to have conducive performance plans and support staff to have the necessary resources to address performance issues and recognise staff for contributions to DTI and success achieved. 
• Foster a culture that values sharing successes and failures to encourage individual and group development through educated risk-taking.
• Responsible for approving leave requests.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring and coordinating the training of new staff members.
• Establish work schedules and assignments for staff, according to workload, space, and equipment availability.
• Identify training opportunities for future thought leaders to attend conferences in areas where thought leadership development is required (future perspective).
• Define, implement and enable a sustainable implementation succession plan and knowledge retention.

Software Development and Management

• Implement the complete software development lifecycle (SDLC) process, ensuring efficient project management, effective communication, and timely execution of development tasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, design solutions, develop software, conduct testing, and manage deployment for various projects.
• Design test cases based on requirements and functional specifications.
• Resolve any business-related issues during the development life cycle.
• Document software defects (bug tracking system).
• Participate in product design reviews, designs, schedules, or problems.
• Participate in the process of assessing user requirements.
• Implement application configuration requests and requirements.
• Log operational changes for systems to be placed into production. 
• Analyse business requirements with the help of the development manager. 
• Build websites with widgets
• Implement HTML, CSS and JavaScript to improve websites and applications according to branding guidelines.
• Match specific application functionality to business requirements.
• Test systems that the development team has developed.
• Maintain documentation of test results.

Analyse test results.

• Test system modifications or implementation.
• Recommend improvements in terms of functionality and usability.
• Configure and optimise web applications and custom systems.
• Responsible for application implementation, which includes system and web application evaluation and implementation.

Strategic Support

• Participate in management and strategic meeting sessions to get a clear understanding of business requirements.
• Identify, communicate and log possible impacts, risks and issues.
• Receive and analyse client requirements.
• Report any delays and risks to requests and projects to HOD.
• Liaise with HOD regarding coordination of projects. 

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure that the quality management system conforms to the requirements of the required international standards.
• Ensure DTI processes are followed.
• Initiate governance for all development and application configuration, if approval is required.
• Ensure that the developed application complies with the business requirements.

Quality Assurance

• Review testing of team members to ensure all requirements were tested.
• Implement validation and quality checks to ensure accuracy and integrity. 
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Professional Development

• Fulfill all responsibilities regarding performance management.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 in Information Technology.
• A minimum of four (4) years relevant experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• A minimum of two (2) years should be in a Higher Education environment.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Ensure effective coordination of security operations at the three campuses of the University.
• Develop and ensure effective execution of operational and business plans for the three campuses of the University. 
• Ensure effective coordination and installation of technical security measures at the University’s campuses.
• Develop and ensure implementation of best practice operational security procedures, standards and protocols to ensure effective rendering of operational security services.
• Ensure effective coordination and deployment of technical security solutions on the University’s campuses.
• Drive security awareness capacity building program on the University’s campuses in collaboration with campuses Site Managers, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure effective management of contracted security service providers.
• Ensure effective management of protests on the University’s campuses in accordance with the Protest Management Policy and other relevant protocols.
• Develop and ensure effective execution of strategies to combat crime on the University’s campuses.
• Ensure that events on the University’s campuses are effectively managed in accordance with events management protocols.
• Ensure that the performance of staff is managed in accordance with the University’s policies.
• Manage operational security budget in accordance with the University’s policies and the department’s business and strategic plans.
• Ensure that security vulnerability assessments are continuously conducted on the University’s campuses and that identified gaps are addressed.
• Ensure that a high level of discipline and professionalism is maintained and that workplace discipline is managed in accordance with the University’s policies.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/ B. Tech degree on NQF level 7 in Security Management, Criminology or Policing (Science and or Practices).
• A valid Grade A (PSIRA) registration certificate.
• A valid code 8 driver’s license.
• Computer literacy.
• A minimum of eight (8) years relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities, of which five (5) years should be management experience in a security management environment.

Recommendations:

• Honours degree /Postgraduate Diploma/Professional Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Administration on NQF level (8).
• Safety Management Training Course (SAMTRAC), NOSA.
• Experience in events management in accordance with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2 of 2010 (SASRIA).
• Experience in the higher education sector. 

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Conduct research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research approaches across the ETDP-SETA Chair’s niche areas.
• Provide leadership on data analysis and write-up of research reports on assigned projects within the ETDP-SETA Chair
• Generate accredited single-authored and/or collaborative publications in Q1-Q4 journals.
• Oversee the coordination, design, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of the ETDP-SETA Chair’s research, intervention and post-graduate training projects.
• Contribute to resource mobilisation and internationalisation of the ETDP-SETA Chair’s research and scholarship.
• Supervise research assistants, postgraduate students, and/or research interns in the ETDP-SETA Chair.
• Co-lead and support emerging researchers’ development.
• Actively participate in engaged scholarship, policy advocacy and academic citizenship as related to the ETDP-SETA Chair’s niche areas.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the ETDP-SETA Chair and the Faculty of Education.
• Contribute to achieving the strategic, academic, and operational objectives of the ETDP-SETA Chair and the Faculty of Education.

Inherent requirements:

• A relevant Doctoral degree in Education on NQF Level 10 with a focus on Mathematics Education.
• Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis to specifically indicate relevance to Mathematics Education.
• A formal teaching qualification (e.g. Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent) with Mathematics as one of the majors.
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience with at least three (3) years in a higher education or research and development environment.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• Proven recent research record of publications in Q1-Q4 national and international accredited journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels.

Recommendations:

• Experience in developing research grant applications.
• Experience in high impact engaged scholarship activities within communities

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Conduct research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research approaches across the SANRAL Chair’s niche areas.
• Provide leadership on data analysis and write-up of research reports on assigned projects within the SANRAL Chair
• Generate accredited single-authored and/or collaborative publications in Q1-Q4 journals.
• Oversee the coordination, design, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of the SANRAL Chair’s research, intervention and post-graduate training projects.
• Contribute to resource mobilisation and internationalisation of the SANRAL Chair’s research and scholarship
• Supervise research assistants, postgraduate students, and/or research interns in the SANRAL Chair.
• Co-lead and support emerging researchers’ development.
• Actively participate in engaged scholarship, policy advocacy and academic citizenship as related to the SANRAL Chair’s niche areas.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the SANRAL Chair and the Faculty of Education.
• Contribute to achieving the strategic, academic, and operational objectives of the SANRAL Chair and the Faculty of Education.

Inherent requirements:

• A relevant Doctoral degree in Education on NQF Level 10 with a focus on Science Education and/or Mathematics Education.
• Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis to specifically indicate relevance to Science Education and/or Mathematics Education.
• A formal teaching qualification (e.g. Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent) with Science and/or Mathematics as one of the majors.
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience with at least three (3) years in a higher education or research and development environment.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• Proven recent research record of publications in Q1-Q4 national and international accredited journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels.

Recommendations:

• Experience in developing research grant applications.
• Experience in high-impact engaged scholarship activities within communities.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

Administration: Evaluation of Applications:

• Ensure all documentation are filled according to the list of required documents for accreditation.
• Verify the correctness of supplied documentation for accreditation and verification status.
• Compile an inspection schedule for applications for the accreditation of off-campus student addresses.
• Filling of all the inspection schedules.
• Send correspondence of availability of accommodation to Off-campus Accredited Service Providers and updated regularly.
• Assist with the verification of off-campus accommodation.
• Keep record off all correspondence with Service Providers/students/SAPS/Mangaung Metro and all other parties.
• Ensure that files for accredited Service Providers are according to the requirements for the UFS Audit.
• Evaluate contract between students and Service Provider to ensure compliance with the UFS standards for accreditation.
• Follow up on updated reports from the police/neighbourhood watch for the specific area/cluster.
• Follow up regarding the withdrawal of accreditation by applicants and provide them with the correct information on the re-application for accreditation.

Communication: 

• Respond and send emails to all accredited addresses managed by Off-Campus Accommodation Service Providers.
• Answer the phone; deal with enquiries relating to accredited Off-Campus Accommodation addresses and take massages.
• Liaise with potential Off-Campus Accommodation Service Providers, students and visitors as well as answering queries.
• Inform the Off-Campus Accommodation Service Providers on the policies, procedures, protocols and directives of the UFS applicable to them.
• Deliver (via email) correspondence and documentation to potential Off-Campus Accommodation Service Providers for accreditation.
• Confirm the submission of the application for accreditation by the Service Provider.
• Send communication to Service Providers regarding the outcome of the inspection.
• Set up meetings with the Service Providers of accredited addresses and the Mangaung Metro.
• Communicate with students regarding their private accommodation applications.

Inspection:

• Confirm availability of Service Providers for pre- and post-inspections.
• Conduct inspections for applicants who comply with a minimum of 90% of the required documents for accreditation as approved by the officer for off-campus accommodation.
• Ensure that all inspections are conducted as per the inspection checklist provided by the officer for off-campus accommodation.
• Compile a report for each inspection conducted and its findings.
• Compile weekly summary report on the outcome of the inspections conducted.

Inherent requirements:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree on NQF Level 7 or a relevant three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6.
• Minimum of one (1) year’ experience related to the duties and responsibilities.
• A valid driver's license.

Recommendations:

• Relevant qualification in Building Science. 
• Postgraduate qualification. 
• Experience in building inspections.
• Experience in construction projects.
• Experience interpreting building plans.
• Basic knowledge of relevant building legislation.
• Basic knowledge of rezoning / consent use protocols.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Manage the curriculation processes of the departments.
• Develop new learning programmes in consultation with stakeholders
• Ensure frequent and continuous development and management of the operational plan of the programs.
• Ensure that the activities of the programs are undertaken in accordance with the governance, policy and regulatory frameworks of the University.
• Assume responsibility for the academic quality of the programs.
• Manage the academic administration of the programs
• Manage matters relating to teaching, learning, and students in the programs.
• Provide academic advice in terms of academic inquiries, amendments of yearbooks, schedules, timetables,etc.related to the programs.
• Serve on the marketing committee of the faculty as necessary.
• Assist with marketing pamphlets or any suitable marketing material.
• Assist with the selection and admission of students where applicable.
• Assist with registration of students.
• Oversee, check and manage timetable clashes in conjunction with the departments.
• Check student records for correctness.
• Check documents and records for graduations, submitting corrections where needed.

Inherent Job requirements:

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Physical/Chemical sciences, or related field.
• A full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Recommendations:

• Good management skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to function with ease in the university’s richly diverse working environment..
• Strategic thinking.
• Good organizational skills and administrative abilities
• Good computer skills (skilled use of Microsoft office software). 

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Teach, assess, and coordinate modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Sociology.
• Provide study guidance and supervision to postgraduate students.
• Contribute to programme development and curriculum review within the Department and the Faculty of Humanities.
• Active participation and involvement in applicable UFS management structures.
• Contribute to building an effective team of scholars.
• Initiate, conduct, and sustain high-level research.
• Disseminate recognised research through appropriate channels, including publishing manuscripts in accredited journals and participating in workshops, peer-reviewed conferences, and symposia in Sociology.
• Establish reciprocal relationships between scholarly engagement, research, and teaching activities.
• Maintain continued professional development and evaluation of practice relating to learning, teaching, and assessment in line with qualifications, experience, changes in the subject discipline, pedagogic development, and innovation in learning technology.
• Perform administrative and leadership responsibilities for learning, teaching, research, and scholarly engagement.
• Contribute towards creating a strong African Sociology academic identity.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD in Sociology on NQF Level 10.
• A minimum of five years (5) lecturing experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the university level.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers at national scholarly conferences.
• An NRF rating or equivalent or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in accredited national and/or international journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society, committee, or agency concerned with research at higher education levels.

Recommendations:

• A strong teaching focus on social theory and social research methods.
• Research expertise and teaching experience in one or more of our research clusters: 
• decolonisation, race, ethnicity, and transformation; 
• gender, health, and labour; 
• local and participatory governance; 
• migration, environment, and population studies; or 
• digital sociology.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Conduct innovative research as part of a research team. 
• Travel to conduct fieldwork and collect data from two news agency bureaux on the African continent and the African desk of Agence France Presse (AFP) in Paris. 
• Prepare conference papers and present at international conferences. 
• Author/co-author at least one (1) publication output per year in the form of DHET–accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report. 
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Department of Linguistics and Language Practice at the UFS.   

Eligibility criteria 

• Graduated with a PhD in a relevant discipline within the last five years. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to translation studies; news translation; news/media and language; ethnography; digital humanities; discourse analysis; pragmatics; and/or sociolinguistics 
• Fluent in at least English and French. 
• May not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship. 
• Must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant must spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS. 
• Have a strong socio-political knowledge of Africa.  

Recommendations 

• Knowledge of and experience in qualitative research methodologies.  
• Qualitative data analysis software. 
• Prior experience in presenting research papers at conferences and/or seminars. 
• Authored/co-authored academic publications.