Current Opportunities at University of the Western Cape/Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland

The Science Learning Centre for Africa (SLCA) is currently seeking a self-motivated, committed, competent and suitably qualified and experienced candidate for the position of Administrator: Department, to provide administrative support to the SLCA in respect of all administrative processes, in order to ensure alignment and compliance with central administrative systems and procedures; and to provide a professional support service to staff and stakeholders. 

Key Performance Areas
Reporting to the Director, the successful incumbent will be responsible for the following key performance areas, which will include but not be limited to the following:

• Enquiry Management
• Human Resources Administration
• Asset Management
• Events Administration
• Meeting Administration
• Marketing
• General Administration
• Project Administration including:

Financial Administration

• Budget Control: Assist in the collection of data for compiling departmental budgets (operational, capex, secondary, ICT), in conjunction with the DirectorHoD; and compile draft budget for input. Monitor budget, checking availability of funds, report on expenditure vs budgets,. donor-funding, monitor entity budgets and expenditure with regards to donor funding. Collate necessary documents for funders and from funders.
• Procurement: Coordinate all purchasing/procurement for the Centredepartment. Obtain quotes for raising of orders on Financial system. Coordinate the purchasing of consumables and equipment, receiving orders and goods and process invoices for payment

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree / National Diploma or equivalent (NQF7)
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant administrative experience in a Higher Education environment
• Experience in project administration
• Working knowledge of University systems
• Proficient in MS Office 

Added advantages

• Experience in student administration and the student life-cycle
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• High level of assertiveness
• High level of patience
• Planning and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Record keeping
• Minute-taking
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Closing Date

4/8/2023

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The successful incumbent will be highly motivated and will be responsible for the following key performance areas, amongst others:

• Facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Conduct research and publish in the fields of Life Orientation, inclusive education, educational psychology, and related fields
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate studies
• Construct a coherent research agenda consistent with the broad research goals of the Department of Educational Psychology and within the Faculty
• Take an active role in curriculum design and renewal
• Provide administrative and academic support by serving on committees devoted to the development of departmental and faculty objectives
• Participate in community engagement activities
• Promote and support research activities in the department

Minimum Requirements

• A Masters degree in Education and/or Educational Psychology
• Experience in facilitating learning and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
• Teaching experience in Life Orientation

Recommended criteria:

• A relevant PHD in education or evidence of substantial progress towards completion of a relevant PHD.
• Teaching experience of at least two years at school in the subject, Life Orientation,with a focus on Physical Education.
• Knowledge of the following sub-disciplines is preferred: Life Orientation with Physical Education as a specialisation, Creative skills, developmental psychology; counselling and psychotherapy; inclusive education; psycho-educational assessment.
• The focus will be on Physical Education or Sports Sciences as a speciality.

Key competencies include:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment
• Student focused approach
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership

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The Department of Chemistry invites applications for the permanent position of Professor / Associate Professor with specialization in the area of Inorganic Chemistry.
The successful candidate for will be responsible for the following:

• Facilitate learning and teaching of Inorganic Chemistry at undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
• Conduct research and publish in appropriate high impact journals;
• Obtain external funding to conduct research and help guide research efforts in the field of Inorganic Chemistry;
• Undergraduate and postgraduate supervision;
• Provide academic leadership;
• Curriculum development, assessment and the continuous improvement of the academic programme;
• Community engagement and outreach;
• Manage academic administration.

Minimum Requirements

For the post of Professor, the following criteria shall apply:

• The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry;
•  A strong record of relevant high-quality peer-reviewed publications and successful supervision of postgraduate research supervision at Masters and doctoral level;
• Evidence of expertise, national and international standing, and international presence in Inorganic Chemistry;
• Ability to develop new undergraduate and post graduate modules;
• The integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research.

For the post of Associate Professor, the following criteria shall apply:

• The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry;
• A strong record of relevant high-quality peer-reviewed publications and successful supervision of postgraduate research supervision at Masters and doctoral level;
• Evidence of expertise, national standing, and preferably international presence in Inorganic Chemistry;
• Ability to develop new undergraduate and post graduate modules;
• The integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research.

Advantages for the appointment:

• A track record of developing research projects and securing funding would be an advantage;
• Collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, government departments, community health and/or research organisations;
• Active working experience as an academic leader at Departmental level and Faculty level;
• An h-index of higher than10 for Associate Professor and 20 or higher for Professor is preferred;
• An NRF Rating will be an added advantage.

Key competencies:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Practical teaching, training and mentoring skills in an academic and laboratory environment;
• Engaging and developing undergraduate and postgraduate students;
• Planning and organising skills;
• Strong interpersonal relationship and the ability to collaborate with colleagues;
• Time and project management skills.

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The Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective management of all financial, support, administrative, HR and contractual functions required for the operational functioning of PLAAS, as listed below:
Financial Management, Administration, Procurement, and Reporting in line with UWC and donor requirements:

• Ensuring efficient internal systems for financial planning, management and administration;
• Supporting PLAAS management in forward financial planning and fundraising;
• Financial reporting to the PLAAS management, the EMS Faculty and the PLAAS Advisory Board;
• Providing Project Managers with regular current updates on project finances;
• Providing detailed and timeous financial reports on funded projects to donors in line with contract requirements;
• Ensuring timeous procurement in line with project needs and University standards;
• Ensuring effective liaison with the UWC Finance Department.

Administration, support and logistical services:

• Taking responsibility for the day to day management of all PLAAS administrative staff to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of core administrative functions, including logistics, reception, and liaison with all other UWC departments
• Ensuring efficient and effective project support to researchers, including for project travel, conferences and event organisation.
• Liaising with ICS and other service providers to ensure the efficient provision of computer, web and IT systems for operational requirements.
• Human Resources management in line with UWC policies and requirements

Managing PLAAS’s human resources and internal HR systems in close consultation with UWC Human Resources
department, including:

• The planning and implementation of recruitment processes;
• The internal leave administration system;
• The Participatory Performance management system;
• Career pathing and capacity development;
• Employment of student assistants.

Contract management and administration

• Assistance with the budgetary aspects of funding proposals;
• Maintenance of a contract and SLA management and information system
• Supporting researchers in compliance with donors’ contractual requirements, especially in relation to project reporting;
• Overseeing the development and supporting the management of Service Level Agreements and contracts with service providers.

Minimum Requirements

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (Accounting, Financial Management, or Business Administration preferred).
• At least three years’ relevant experience in financial and operations management within a similar organizational environment (University-based or research institute).
• Proven people management experience.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and strategic management skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Financial and people management skills
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Report writing skills