Job Description

Job Title
Assistant Director (Project Planner) (post level 7): Facilities Planning (Job ID: 6238)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People & Operations -> Facilities Management -> University Estates
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Junior Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
21/9/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

Duties and responsibilities:

Project Planning & Initiation

Engage with user clients to identify needs and project requirements. Assess feasibility, viability, and operational impact of proposed projects. Develop comprehensive project briefs outlining objectives, scope, timelines, and budget estimates. Consider all relevant infrastructure aspects, including electricity, HVAC, plumbing, ventilation, IT, safety compliance, and environmental impact. Attend to furniture requirements of departments. Manage planning and execution of minor projects. Align all projects with the university's masterplan and strategic objectives

Stakeholder Engagement

Facilitate discussions with internal departments, faculties, and external stakeholders. Act as the link between users, consultants and management. Ensure clear communication of project expectations and deliverables

Coordination

Prepare briefing documents and participate in scoping meetings. Review proposals and ensure compliance with university specifications. Work closely with various parties to achieve functional, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. Ensure integration of building services, utilities, safety systems, and accessibility considerations.

Project Monitoring & Reporting

Prepare project rollout, progress reports, and milestone tracking. Monitor project deliverables to ensure quality and adherence to timelines. Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies where required. Report project status updates to all relevant parties.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure that all projects comply with university specifications, safety regulations, environmental standards, and relevant statutory requirements. Ensure the brief is met in procurement documentation and record-keeping. Promote energy efficiency, sustainability, and alignment with best practices.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Proactively suggest creative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. Benchmark planning practices against industry standards to improve processes. Recommend technologies and methodologies that improve project outcomes.

Inherent Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree/Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7 in Project Management, Construction Management, Architecture, or Quantity Surveying. A minimum of three (3) years' experience in infrastructure or facilities project planning. A valid driver's licence

(attach a copy).

Recommendations:

Registration with a related professional body (attach proof). Knowledge of building regulations, SANS standards, OHS Act, and environmental compliance. Knowledge of sustainable building practices and energy efficiency principles. Experience working in a higher education environment (advantageous).

Competencies

Key Competencies:

Results-Oriented:

The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.

Strategic Thinking:

The ability to deal with several activities at a time. 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 lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.

Building Coalitions:

The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

21 September 2025

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 2979 / 2558 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.