OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY DEAN: RESEARCH AND POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
ACADEMIC SUCCESS COACH (POSTGRADUATE)
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8 (ONE-YEAR RENEWABLE CONTRACT POST)
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
The Faculty of Education requires an Academic Success Coach (Postgraduate) to play an advisory role and develop and implement support programmes for postgraduate students at the University of Pretoria. The purpose of the job is, therefore, to support postgraduate students in the Faculty of Education, especially those at risk of failing, to transition into and thrive at the University of Pretoria. The Academic Success Coach (Postgraduate) will report to the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
General support to the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies in matters related to postgraduate students
Coordinate and assist during postgraduate support sessions
Track postgraduate students' performance and direct them to available support structures at the University of Pretoria such as finance, academic support, counselling and other services available
Assist during the annual Faculty Research Legotla which serves as a platform for postgraduate students to showcase their research
Provide academic advising services to postgraduate students in the Faculty of Education on study paths and associated career options
Contribute to academic skills development sessions with postgraduate students on topics such as academic writing, time management, goal setting and study skills
Create a data base to monitor registered postgraduate student numbers and postgraduate student progress
Assist with the establishment of holistic student engagement and support in the Faculty of Education
Identify 'at risk' students and conduct special individual support sessions/tutorials with them and manage data on student interactions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Honours degree in Educational Psychology or Psychology or Social Work
Three years' experience as a tutor, mentor or advisor at a tertiary institution
Experience in data capturing.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
Empathy and passion for supporting the wellbeing of others
Competence in the use of Microsoft packages (including Word and Excel), Google Suite of applications and the internet
The ability to analyse data
A good understanding of the Faculty of Education's postgraduate curriculum
Excellent time management skills
A basic understanding of Higher Education Systems
Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
Ability to plan and facilitate workshops and conduct one-on-one interviews
Ability to manage and follow through on referred cases
Available to keep office hours
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
Master's degree in Educational Psychology or Psychology or Social Work
Experience in student counselling or career counselling
Experience in working with university students in an orientation, advising, retention, student life, residence life, service learning or closely related field
Knowledge of the UP-campus ecology
The ability to handle a variety of complex tasks simultaneously, meet stringent deadlines and work under pressure for extended periods of time.
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The fixed remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za
In applying for this post, please attach:
A comprehensive CV
Certified copies of qualifications
Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.
CLOSING DATE: 28 August 2025
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES:
Ms Mandy Moropa, Email: mandy.moropa@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Prof Ronel Ferreira, Email: ronel.ferreira@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised position.
Beware of fraud agents! do not pay money to get a job
MNCJobs.co.za will not be responsible for any payment made to a third-party. All Terms of Use are applicable.