Job Openings at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Perform professional clinical duties at the Primary Health Care Clinic. 
• Perform other relevant duties as required by line manager.
• Capture clinical notes on electronic medical system.
• Assist with first aid services at sport events on campus where necessary.
• Assist with emergencies in the clinic.
• Liaise with internal and external role-players. 

Inherent requirements:

• Nursing diploma/degree (general, psychiatric, midwifery, community nursing)(attach a copy).
• Post basic diploma/degree in Primary Healthcare (attach a copy).
• Dispensing certificate (attach a copy).
• Proof of registration at the South African Nursing Council (SANC)(attach a copy).
• At least two (2) years relevant experience in a primary health care clinic environment.
• Must be able to travel independently to and from the health care facility.

Recommendations:

• Certificate in HIV testing and counselling (attach a copy).
• NIMART Trained (attach a copy).
• Knowledge of PReP and PEP.
• Dispensing Licence (attach a copy).
• Driver’s Licence (attach a copy).
• Previous working experience with young adults/students.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) function in support of the University's strategic objectives. 
• Partner with Executive Management to develop and implement integrated human capital strategies across faculties and support divisions. 
• Lead workforce planning, organisational design, organisational development, talent management, succession planning, and change management initiatives. 
• Provide strategic advice and evidence-based recommendations on complex human capital, workforce, governance, and employee relations matters. 
• Lead and manage the HR Business Partner team to ensure high-quality, client-centred service delivery and continuous improvement. 
• Drive organisational effectiveness through workforce analytics, performance monitoring, and strategic human capital interventions. 
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of HR policies, governance frameworks, and compliance with employment legislation. 
• Lead institutional HR risk management and provide strategic oversight of employee and labour relations matters. 
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Executive Management, Deans, Executive Directors, Directors, and Heads of Department. 
• Lead strategic HR projects, digital transformation initiatives, benchmarking, and continuous improvement programmes. 
• Prepare and present strategic reports, workforce analytics, and recommendations to Executive Management and governance structures. 
• Manage the operational and financial resources of the HR Business Partner function.

Inherent requirements:

• An Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. 
• A minimum of eight (8) years' relevant Human Resources experience.

Recommendations:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field. 
• Registration with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) as a Chartered HR Professional (CHRP) or equivalent professional designation (attach a copy). 
• Experience in the higher education sector. 
• Experience providing strategic advice to Executive Management. 
• Experience leading organisational design, organisational development, workforce planning, and change management initiatives. 
• Knowledge of employment legislation, HR governance, and institutional policy development. 
• Experience in strategic workforce analytics and evidence-based decision-making.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Administer and manage bursaries and scholarships processes, including the implementation of payment procedures.
• Develop and maintain day-to-day relationships with funding partners to ensure effective collaboration.
• Monitor bursary contract compliance and manage renewal processes in line with funder requirements.
• Oversee bursary allocations to ensure that no student receives more than one full-cost bursary.
• Set up and maintain student cost schedules in alignment with approved bursary amounts.
• Compile detailed biannual reports to funders on student academic performance and financial accounts.
• Prepare and process bursary allocation, disbursement, and withdrawal.
• Facilitate the selection of students in accordance with funder-specific criteria and requirements.
• Provide guidance to students on bursary policies and clearly communicate the implications of non-compliance with contractual terms.
• Coordinate engagements, events, and visits between donors and bursary recipients.
• Assist in the preparation and verification of invoices related to bursary funding.
• Ensure the accurate and timely payment of student allowances in accordance with funder stipulations.
• Review and approve refund requests in line with institutional policies.
• Manage and oversee the credit reversal process to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage bursary budgets in collaboration with the Supervisor to ensure effective utilisation of funds.
• Oversee student payments and debtor accounts, ensuring timely collection and resolution of outstanding balances.
• Administer student budgets and perform reconciliations for reimbursements.
• Perform calculations and validations of bursary payouts to ensure accuracy and compliance with funding agreements.
• Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders to facilitate efficient service delivery.
• Provide comprehensive support and assistance to students regarding bursary matters.
• Train, mentor, and supervise interns and temporary staff members.
• Deliver presentations and provide information sessions on bursaries and related funding opportunities when required. 

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/B tech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 with Accounting as a major.
• Minimum of two (2) years relevant working experience in bursary, student funding, or finance/accounting administration.

Recommendations:

• Knowledge and understanding of computer programs (PeopleSoft, Word, Excel and Internet).
• Work experience in the Higher Education context, especially bursaries, dealing with staff, students and parents.
• Knowledge of bursary requirements and rules.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Closing date:
12 August 2026 

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Perform routine office administrative functions to support efficient operations.
• Attend and actively participate in sectional, general staff, and quarterly meetings.
• Manage and respond to all verbal and written enquiries from students, landlords, parents/guardians, and funding partners in a professional and timely manner.
• Verify completeness and accuracy of supporting documentation submitted by students and funders.
• Provide support to students in capturing and uploading bursary-related information onto the system.
• Assist funding partners by supplying required information and documentation as requested.
• Ensure the correct allocation of funds.
• Reconcile funder payments against student accounts and proactively follow up on outstanding amounts.
• Compile and submit reports to management on payments received from funders.
• Identify and highlight funders with growth potential and escalate opportunities to management for further engagement.
• Provide general support with other bursary-related and administrative tasks as required.
• Monitor and control bursary allocations to ensure that no student is awarded more than one full-cost bursary.

Inherent requirements:

• Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF level 4. 
• Minimum of one (1) year relevant experience in bursary, student funding, financial, or administrative support. 

Recommendations:

• Knowledge and understanding of computer programs (PeopleSoft, Word, Excel and Internet).
• Work experience in the Higher Education context, especially bursaries, dealing with staff, students and parents.
• Knowledge of bursary requirements and rules.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Closing date:
11  August 2026 

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Duties and responsibilities:
Support to the Dean

• Provide a professional service to the Dean’s office by attending to all telephonic, email, and other inquiries to the Dean.
• Provide an effective interface between the office of the Dean and members of the University community, public, private, and community organisations, and business and government sectors.
• Provide support to the Dean by dealing with or referring inquiries.
• Contact and liaise with internal and external visitors and staff members who enter the Dean’s office in a friendly and professional manner. This includes screening of visitors to the Dean’s office.
• Help other staff of the Dean’s office as and when required, to guide visitors, take messages, and make phone calls.
• Total management of the diary of the Dean, including setting up meetings with relevant departments, committees, and or external stakeholders. Making, cancelling, or rescheduling appointments as needed to accommodate important commitments.
• Ensure that the diary is kept up to date.
• Compile the Dean’s daily programme, ensuring that he/she is familiar with it and that all the relevant documents are available.
• Alert the Dean to urgent and important matters on a day-to-day basis.
• Scrutinise and record details of all incoming mail, print out relevant messages, and prioritise according to urgency, and redirect inappropriately addressed mail to the correct quarter.
• Investigate complex queries and prepare responses/reports for the Dean.
• Maintain a pending system for following up previous correspondence and referring items to the Dean for follow-up action.
• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.

Office Administration

• Deal with general administration, including typing, dispatching faxes, emails, correspondence, reports, directives, schedules, references, and other documentation.
• Maintain a register of leave applications for other staff reporting to the Dean, including an overseas/special leave register of all Faculty staff.
• Ensure office compliance with safety regulations and arrange for maintenance and repairs when necessary
• Maintain a filing system.
• Monitor telephone accounts of staff reporting to the Dean and bring any discrepancies to his/her attention.

Financial Administration

• Arrange travel and accommodation bookings for the Dean.
• Obtain and appraise quotes and process orders for all office requirements.
• Generate and process invoices and other payments relating to purchases, renewal of subscriptions, subsistence and travel, etc.
• Liaise with the Finance Department to transfer funds to the required allocation code.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or a Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6 in Office Management / Administration or closely related field. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant administrative experience.

Recommendations:

• Three (3) years of relevant administrative experience.
• Knowledge of the PeopleSoft system, especially Finance and Human Resources systems.
• Knowledge of the procedures of the Faculty and the University (including financial procedures, faculty and UFS rules, human resources policies and procedures, and budgeting processes).
• Understanding of staff management and leadership.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

28/7/2026

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Duties and responsibilities​​​​

Strategic Plan Tracking

• Coordinate the implementation of Vision 130, the Strategic Plan, and the Annual Performance Plan.
• Steer strategy, institutional research and operational projects.
• Monitor the Key Performance Indicators across all portfolios, faculties and divisions.

Executive Decision Support 

• Produce the University of the Free State’s annual report to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), mid-term review report, and student enrolment plan, which are aligned with the academic risk register. 
• Steer the UFS to a forward-looking strategic institution by leading business intelligence information needs, translating complex institutional data into high-level briefings, providing predictive analytics, trend mapping, and data modelling
• Facilitate HEMIS data submissions.

Global Benchmarking

• Utilise institutional data for global positioning, supporting the university’s internationalisation mandate and rankings.
• Manage data to be submitted to global rankings bodies.

Institutional Effectiveness and Optimisation

• Lead institutional initiatives that identify operational bottlenecks and resource allocation efficiencies to drive overall institutional effectiveness.  
• Lead the Institutional Project Management Office. 
• Develop and maintain institutional project governance frameworks. 
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate strategic institutional projects funded through the University's strategic initiatives. 
• Monitor institutional project performance, risks and benefits realisation. 
• Provide executive reports on strategic project implementation. 

Institutional Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the University's Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and institutional performance framework. 
• Coordinate institutional planning processes and monitor progress against strategic objectives. 
• Provide strategic advice to Executive Management on institutional performance, organisational effectiveness and strategic initiatives. 
• Lead institutional change management initiatives supporting strategic transformation. 

Institutional Research and Business Intelligence

• Direct institutional research and policy analysis to support executive decision-making. 
• Develop and maintain an integrated institutional management information and business intelligence environment. 
• Produce executive dashboards, strategic reports and institutional analyses that inform planning, policy development and performance improvement. 
• Promote evidence-based decision-making throughout the University. 

Institutional Data Governance and Statutory Reporting

• Provide strategic leadership for institutional data governance and data quality management. 
• Oversee HEMIS submissions and all statutory reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training and other regulatory authorities. 
• Ensure compliance with legislative, audit and quality assurance requirements. 
• Develop institutional data policies, standards and governance frameworks. 

Enrolment Planning and Performance Monitoring

• Lead institutional enrolment planning and student performance analysis. 
• Develop forecasting models and strategic enrolment scenarios. 
• Monitor institutional performance indicators and benchmarking against national and international best practice. 
• Produce the University's Annual Report, Mid-term Review Report and other strategic institutional reports. 

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop strategic partnerships with government departments, regulatory authorities, professional bodies, universities and national higher education structures. 
• Represent the University on institutional and national committees relating to planning, institutional research and higher education policy. 
• Manage data to be submitted to global rankings bodies

Leadership and Directorate Management

• Provide strategic leadership to the Directorate. 
• Translate institutional strategy into operational plans and measurable performance outcomes. 
• Lead organisational development, succession planning, talent management and staff development. 
• Manage the Directorate's human, financial and physical resources in accordance with University policies. 

Inherent Job Requirements

• A relevant Doctoral qualification on NQF Level 10 in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years' experience within the higher education sector.
• At least five (5) years in a senior strategic leadership role. 
• Experience in institutional strategy development and implementation. 
• Experience in institutional research and higher education policy analysis. 
• Experience in business intelligence and management information systems. 
• Experience in data governance, HEMIS and statutory reporting. 
• Experience in institutional project portfolio management. 
• Executive stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership experience. 

Recommendations

• A postgraduate qualification in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field. 
• Knowledge of South African higher education policy, funding and quality assurance frameworks. 
• Experience in digital transformation, data analytics and institutional performance management. 
• Experience leading complex organisational change initiatives. 
• Advanced knowledge of business intelligence platforms and data visualisation. 

Closing date:
11 August 2026

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Duties and responsibilities: 

• Design, coordinate, and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Community Development and Gender and Africa Studies.
• Supervise and oversee particularly and experiential pedagogies (WIL) in the program.
• Supervise Honours, Masters, and Doctoral students.
• Participate in assessment moderation and academic administration.
• Maintain an active and productive research profile.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives for AGAS.
• Participate in both Faculty and CGAS governance structures and committees.
• Mentor junior academics and postgraduate students.
• Serve as module and program coordinator where required.

Inherent requirements:

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Community Development, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology or related discipline.
• 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.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Experience supervising and graduating master’s-degree students.
• Demonstrate university-level teaching experience in Community Development Practice or Work Integrated Learning and Community Development Theory or cognate disciplines.

Recommendations:

• NRF rating or eligibility for rating.
• Evidence of a minimum of (Seven) 7 peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience supervising and graduating PHD students.
• Track record of external research funding.
• Experience in participatory and mixed research methodologies.
• Policy advisory experience.
• Established community partnerships and participation in professional or academic communities
• Demonstrated curriculum transformation leadership.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Closing date:
12 August 2026 

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Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in wildlife science, wildlife management and conservation biology.
• Contribute to research on wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, sustainable rangeland management, conservation planning and large herbivore ecology.
• Utilise modern technologies including GPS telemetry, GIS, remote sensing, drones and artificial intelligence within wildlife research programmes.
• Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed scientific papers per year.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Assist with undergraduate teaching and practical training in Wildlife Science and Wildlife Management.
• Assist with the supervision and mentoring of Honours, MSc and PhD students.
• Contribute to curriculum enhancement and module development.
• Assist with grant applications and research project development.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Free State and participate in relevant activities of the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies.

Competencies
Eligibility criteria

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Hold a PhD degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Rangeland Science, Animal Science or a closely related discipline.
• Have obtained their doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Demonstrate a publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Have experience in wildlife research and field-based ecological studies
• Demonstrate experience in undergraduate teaching and practical training.
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum development and postgraduate supervision.
• Possess excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Hold a valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period. 
• Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Bloemfontein and participate fully in departmental research, teaching and postgraduate activities.

Closing date: 
21 August 2026