Career Openings at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide HIV Testing and Counselling to UFS students.
• Provide support to students where necessary and assist the professional nurse with the support group when necessary.
• Assist with emergency HIV counselling and support when necessary.
• Referrals to professional nurses when necessary.
• Perform other relevant duties as required by the line manager.
• Present information sessions to the campus community.
• Capture HIV data on tests and counselling done.
• Compile test reports.
• Assist with administrative duties in the department.
• Assist with HIV campaigns on campus.
• Assist on South Campus with HIV counselling and testing.
• Travel independently between Bloemfontein and South Campus.

Inherent requirements:

• Grade 12 or national vocational certificate on NQF Level 4.
• Certificate in HIV testing and counselling (attach a copy).
• One (1) year’s relevant experience in HIV testing and counselling.

Recommendations:

• Previous working experience with young adults/students.
• A valid driver’s license (attach a copy).

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Duties and responsibilities:

Content Strategy Development

• Develop and execute a strategic content plan for the Department of Communication and Marketing (DCM) in alignment with the DCM’s Communication and Marketing Strategy and the university’s communication goals, vision, and values.

High-Impact Writing and Editing

• Support the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s stakeholder engagement programme and content calendar by producing high-level speeches, articles, and digital content for use by the DCM’s Content Hub. This includes research on topics and engaging with relevant role-players to source information. 
• Support the university’s Executive Communication Strategy by producing high-level content such as speeches, articles, and social media content. This includes research on topics, analysis of content relevant content, and engaging with members of the executive committee. 
• Write a broad range of high-quality written materials including feature stories, opinion pieces, research breakthroughs, and digital content for the DCM’s Content Hub. This includes collaboration with faculties and other stakeholders to source content.  
• Craft compelling narratives that reflect the university’s tone and brand voice that will engage a wide range of audiences, from prospective students and alumni to media outlets and public stakeholders. 
• Actively participate in and contribute to the DCM’s Content Hub, curating and optimising content across platforms for cohesive communication. This includes ensuring timely presentation of all content in multimedia formats, enhancing usability across digital, print, and social media platforms.
• Assist the news editor with Content Hub duties (chairing, news list, publications and platform productions).
• Assist the Assistant Director: Internal Communication with the production of institutional magazines such as the Bult and Dumela. 
• Conduct regular reviews of institutional content, updating and refining language to reflect the university’s evolving priorities and vision.
• Provide guidance on writing and editing best practices to the DCM’s Content Hub to ensure quality and consistency across all communication channels.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Serve as a writer for the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and members of the university’s executive management, translating leadership’s vision and ideas into impactful communication according to the university’s Executive Communication Strategy.
• Work closely with departmental heads, academic leaders, and external partners to develop and refine content that supports the UFS’s goals.
• Establish strong working relationships with other departments to ensure alignment and to promote cross-functional initiatives.

Project Management and Conceptualising Integrated Communication Campaigns and Projects

• Oversee and execute the end-to-end management of high-priority campaigns, projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Draft and execute communication plans for key institutional intergrade communication campaigns and projects. 
• Coordinate the production of visually compelling materials for departmental integrated communication campaigns and projects in cooperation with the Unit for Reputation, Brand, and Marketing Management. 
• Develop timelines and content calendars for major communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with university milestones.

Market Research and Benchmarking

• Stay informed on industry best practices, higher education trends, and emerging communication platforms to enhance content effectiveness.
• Conduct research on peer institutions’ communications and adapt innovative strategies that align with UFS’s objectives.
• Track and analyse content performance metrics, adjusting strategies based on data insights and audience feedback.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor's degree/BTech/Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Journalism/ Media Studies/ Communication, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years' relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Extensive experience in content research and writing in the higher education sector at a senior level.
• Proven record of producing high-quality, impactful content across a broad range of topics.
• Experience in speechwriting.
• Familiarity with multimedia production, including digital content creation.
• Basic project management skills.
• Prior experience in public relations, with a focus on institutional communication.
• Experience in a higher education environment is preferred.
• Advanced computer skills, especially in MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Basic photography skills.

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Duties and responsibilities

Executive and Strategic Support:

• Provide high-level, confidential support to the Chief Officer: Office Manager, including calendar management, travel coordination, briefings, and logistical arrangements.
• Draft and prepare executive correspondence, reports, minutes, and presentation material with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
• Coordinate and follow up on action items resulting from strategic meetings, ensuring deadlines and expectations are clearly communicated and met.
• Serve as the central point of contact for internal and external communication flowing through the executive office.

Office Administration and Operations:

• Oversee daily operations of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure smooth workflow and efficient office functioning.
• Manage document flow and ensure secure record-keeping of confidential files, including the implementation of archiving and tracking systems.
• Monitor and maintain office supplies, assets, and resources to ensure optimal readiness and presentation of the executive space.
• Ensure professional frontline reception of all visitors, dignitaries, and stakeholders engaging with the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

Financial and Procurement Administration:

• Support the Chief Officer: Office Manager in overseeing the office’s operational budget, ensuring responsible expenditure management aligned with institutional policies.
• Prepare and process purchase requisitions, supplier onboarding documentation, and invoice tracking through the university’s finance and procurement systems.
• Monitor and reconcile all financial transactions, including travel claims, subsistence allowances, event-related costs, and event expenses.
• Maintain accurate records of all procurement and expenditure documentation for audit readiness and reporting purposes.
• Draft financial reports and expenditure summaries for quarterly and annual reviews, as requested by the Chief Officer: Office Manager.
• Coordinate travel bookings, accommodation, and claims for the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and delegations, ensuring adherence to institutional travel procedures.
• Follow up on outstanding payments, manage relationships with internal finance units and external vendors, and resolve queries efficiently.
• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates and budgeting for official events, strategic engagements, and special projects hosted by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
• Serve as a point of liaison with the Finance and Audit departments to ensure timely submission of supporting documents and adherence to financial governance requirements.

Governance, Compliance, and Coordination:

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, governance protocols, and reporting timelines applicable to the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
• Support the preparation and coordination of institutional meetings, strategic planning workshops, and formal governance structures involving the executive office.
• Maintain institutional confidentiality and data integrity in all interactions and processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Protocol Support:

• Act as the key liaison for the Office of the Vice-Chancellor with internal divisions, faculties, government officials, universities, donors, and international guests.
• Coordinate event and protocol arrangements for high-level visits, ensuring an exemplary standard of executive hosting.
• Prepare stakeholder briefings and logistics schedules for institutional events led by the Vice-Chancellor.

Inherent requirements:

• A three-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6 in Office Administration, Public Administration or Business Management or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Exceptional Organisational skills with the ability to manage complex diaries, competing priorities, and multiple deadlines with precision.
• Excellent planning and coordination skills, particularly for high-level meetings, strategic engagements, and institutional events.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage documentation, correspondence, and information flow at an executive level.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact confidently and diplomatically with executive leadership, senior academics, and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of university governance structures, strategic planning processes, and the role of the Vice-Chancellor’s office in institutional leadership.
• Awareness of the South African higher education landscape, including relevant policies, legislation, and compliance frameworks.
• Financial Knowledge and Experience (finance systems, e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, or similar).
• Advanced computer literacy with proven experience using the full Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

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Duties and responsibilities: 

Leadership

• Provide academic leadership and development by creating and executing strategies to establish the CMBG as a Centre of Excellence.
• Develop an overall operational strategy for the CMBG in consultation with the Dean. 
• Develop an overall research strategy for the CMBG in consultation with the Dean.
• Give academic leadership and direct the CMBG's scholarship, teaching, and standards.
• Take leadership of programme accreditation and ensure national and international accreditation maintenance.
• Promote intellectual vigour and rigor in the disciplines of the CMBG.
• Provide research leadership in the CMBG.
• Influence the CMBG's overall climate and culture and grow the department into a well-functioning  research unit.
• Contribute to faculty leadership by representing the interests of the CMBG at the faculty board, Senate,  and other University structures. 
• Provide leadership in the marketing of the CMBG's programmes and assist in establishing collaborations with external parties.

General Management

• Develop various plans and execute them continuously, including Equity Plans.
• Monitor that areas of improvement identified are affected.
• Organise and co-ordinate staff, students, and activities.
• Mentor, develop and motivate staff.
• Structure and exercise overall control in the CMBG.
• Create an atmosphere of consensus among staff.      
• Communicate effectively internally and externally.
• Participate in faculty management structures.
• Lead and attend meetings.
• Lead project teams.
• Drive academic planning and development.
• Initiate, formulate and implement a visionary academic strategy for the CMBG that is aligned with and supportive of the guiding strategic documents of the UFS and faculty.
• Manage facilities, equipment, and other assets of the CMBG.
• Develop and manage CMBG's risk register.
• Plan, manage and/or make recommendations regarding staff leave applications.

Teaching, Learning and Students

• Ensure the provision of top-quality, research-informed facilitation of learning at all levels of teaching in the CMBG.
• Ensure the enhancement of student experiences and their continuous engagement in academic  debates.
• Ensure that adequate rules and regulations are in place and adhered to optimally deliver high quality teaching and learning programmes on postgraduate levels.
• Ensure quality and timely feedback on student work is provided.
• Ensure proper and quality-driven academic advice and support to all students in the CMBG. 
• Manage the teaching and assessment quality enhancement processes in the CMBG.
• Ensure that programme accreditation minimum criteria are maintained or exceeded.
• Manage curricula development and reviews and ensure the relevance of content, material and presentation in all modules to help position the CMBG as a leader in the fraternity.  
• Oversee the development of new programmes or offerings to remain relevant.
• Ensure nominations of examiners and moderators are made.
• Consult with staff and students at regular intervals.
• Teach and supervise research students up to NQF Level 10.

Research management

• Develop and maintain a visionary research strategy for the CMBG.
• Create an environment that encourages research, leading to strong and active research practices and outputs.
• Ensure that every academic staff member is engaged in quality-driven, discipline-specific and scholarly research. 
• Attract postgraduate students to broaden the research base of the CMBG.
• Ensure ethical research requirements are met.
• Support and assist emerging researchers.
• Guide and support senior academics towards acquiring NRF ratings.

Human resources management

• Build effective teams in the CMBG.
• Plan and implement a fair and reasonable workload of staff members in the CMBG.
• Monitor the progress of staff probation and manage staff performance as well as appraisals in accordance with existing university policies and procedures.
• Recruit and select staff for vacancies and/or specific strategic needs.
• Create and maintain a scholarship-friendly environment in the CMBG.
• Plan, drive and oversee effective and relevant staff development.
• Attend to and/or delegate routine academic and administrative matters.
• Manage academic and support staff in accordance with UFS HR rules and policies.
• Ensure a good flow of information to staff.

Financial and physical resources management:

• Take ultimate responsibility for financial management, including annual budgeting, financial planning,  allocation of funds and financial control.
• Adhere to the UFS's financial policies and procedures.
• Encourage and support academic staff members to apply for external research funding and other grants.

Inherent requirements:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Natural Sciences.
• Any member of the academic staff in the faculty who is appointed at Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor level.
• Proven experience in academic leadership as either an Academic Head of Department, Subject Head and/or Programme Director.

Recommendations:

• Demonstrated leadership in the management of a research centre or academic program in mineral based environmental systems.
• Strong conceptual grasp of national science policy and environmental innovation pathways.
• Collaborative networks that are well-established in the fields of environmental geochemistry, land and soil restoration, or Earth systems science.
• Proven track record of procuring and managing multi-partner research grants that exceed R2 million. Experience with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), BIOGRIP, or an equivalent high-impact science infrastructure.
• Ability to shape a Centre's research identity and grow its national and international visibility.
• Demonstrated capacity to develop a postgraduate pipeline and mentor novice researchers in the field of biogeochemical restoration.
• Visionary capacity to position the CMBG as a leading contributor to biogeochemically informed nature-based solutions.
• Organisational and administrative skills to manage the University's processes for postgraduate teaching, research and student supervision.
• Consistent and prolonged track record of managing research programs and obtaining research funding from national and international sources.

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Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach courses in Finance and/or Banking including specific specialisations that may include banking, financial risk management, financial markets and institutions, derivative instruments, portfolio/investment management, or corporate finance to undergraduate and/or postgraduate students. 
• Develop and refine the curriculum associated with modules taught in Finance and/or Banking. 
• Assist and contribute meaningfully to core activities within the Department including academic administration, research, marketing, seminars, and community development projects. 
• Assist in mentoring and supervising postgraduate students at Honours, Master’s and PhD level. 
• Conduct research in the field of Finance and/or Banking and deliver quality research outputs in the form of DHET-accredited articles (preferably in Q1 and Q2 rated journals), book chapters, books and conference papers, and in line with the research strategy of the faculty. 
• Disseminate research at both local and international conferences, seminars or workshops specialising in Finance and/or Banking. 
• Manage the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) affiliation relationship with the Chartered Financial Institute. 
• Pursue and manage additional professional affiliations/accreditations to improve the international standing of the department. 
• Serve as a member of various academic committees within the faculty and university. 
• Participate in formal self-development programmes within the UFS aimed at strengthening aspirations and skills as a researcher and lecturer. 
• Contribute meaningfully to the culture of collegiality and collaboration within the department. 

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 with a background in Finance or Banking or related discipline (for a permanent appointment) 

or

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 with a background in Finance or Banking or related discipline (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 with a background in Finance or Banking or related discipline MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position). 
• Be in possession of, or provide evidence of being busy studying towards, either the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) professional designation (attach proof).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities at national conferences.
• Evidence of potential to conduct research and publish in relevant publication/s in peer-reviewed national and international DHET-accredited scientific journals.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).

Senior Lecturer

• PhD on NQF Level 10 with a background in Finance or Banking or related discipline.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Be in possession of, or provide evidence of being busy studying towards, either the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) professional designation (attach proof).
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating. 
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer reviewed national and international DHET-accredited scientific 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.

Associate Professor

• PhD on NQF Level 10 with a background in Finance or Banking or related discipline.
• Experience as external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Be in possession of, or provide evidence of being busy studying towards, either the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) professional designation (attach proof).
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in Finance and/or banking.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating within the next three years. 
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s and PhD degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international DHET-accredited journals.
• Served as a member of a national scholarly society OR a national committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels OR showed evidence of service as an active member of an international equivalent.

Recommendations:

• Proven experience in supervising topics in Finance and/or Banking.
• Proven lecturing and research experience in Higher Education.
• Possess the ability to develop a curriculum and teaching resources for the courses specialising in Finance and Banking.
• Possess the necessary skills and knowledge in using software including Eviews, Stata, SmartPLS, or SPSS (including Amos).
• Demonstrate sound knowledge and proficiency of coding language including Python or R and apply this in the disciplines of Finance and/or Banking.
• Excellent research record.
• Member of a or registration at a professional body (attach proof).
• Experience as a departmental leader/ manager in a higher education environment.