Job Description

Reporting to the Manager CPGS, the successful incumbent will coordinate all postgraduate training activities organised by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies in conjunction with the Research Directorate, the Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships, Technology Transfer and Industrial Linkages unit, all faculties and other research centres across all CPUT campuses.

More specifically, the person in this position will be expected to coordinate/ undertake the following work activities:

• Plan and conduct statistical training as a main priority
• Determine training needs for postgraduate students
• Design, develop and conduct all relevant postgraduate training for postgraduate students
• Administer the selection, attendance and evaluation of training of postgraduate students
• Identify suitable trainers in cases where the incumbent cannot undertake the training him or herself
• Ensure the acquirement of conducive facilities for training interventions across campuses
• Write reports regarding the training interventions
• Ensure that the relevant CPGS institutional licenses and software for all statistical training and other training remains up to date
• Organise the Postgraduate Research Day

The above activities are done in the pursuit of academic excellence.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Masters Degree on one of the following fields: Educational Management or Educational Support; Master of Educational or Counselling Psychology; Master of Arts or Master of Science in a discipline related to postgraduate studies or research and/ or Master of Science in Statistics
• At least 4 years' relevant higher education experience in the training of postgraduate and postdoctoral research administration experience
• Knowledge of the latest training trends regarding postgraduate student training interventions
• Knowledge of research data analysis software

Recommendations:

• Doctoral degree in relevant studies will be advantageous
• Experience and understanding of the Higher Education

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

1. Internal and external liaison

• Communicate with all stakeholders, including external parties.
• Provide information about student development activities.
• Answer queries from all stakeholders, primarily regarding student development initiatives.
• Collaborate with other university departments, research centres and external partners to develop interdisciplinary and cross-institutional initiatives that benefit postgraduate students.
• Act as a liaison between postgraduate students and the university administration to address concerns, advocate for student needs and ensure a supportive academic environment.

2. Marketing and networking

• Organize networking events, research symposia, and social gatherings to foster a sense of community among postgraduate student sand encourage knowledge sharing.
• Assist in sourcing funds for training initiatives.
• Contribute to the planning of workshops, functions, meetings.

3. Capacity development and individual support

• Provide individual support to postgraduate students, assisting them in setting academic goals, creating academic plans, and addressing academic challenges.
• Plan, organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, and training sessions on research methodologies, academic writing, presentation skills, time management, and other relevant topics to equip postgraduate students with essential skills.
• Notify students and academics of training opportunities.
• Record and monitor stuarticipation and success.
• Establish and manage mentorship programmes connecting postgraduate students with experienced academics, fostering a culture of guidance and support.

4. Monitoring and evaluation

• Conduct surveys to assess the effectiveness of postgraduate development programmes, gather feedback from students, and make data-driven improvements to the programmes.

5. Resource development

• Create and maintain a repository of resources, including online learning materials, guides, templates, and best practices to aid postgraduate students in their academic and research endeavours.

6. Coordination and administration

• General administration regarding capacity development initiatives.
• Keep records of student progress.
• Keep records of funding opportunities.
• Advertising of training opportunities and funding schemes.
• Ensure compliance with institutional rules concerning academic progression.
• Administration as required for the Higher Degrees Committee.

7. Policy formulation related to Postgraduate students and programmes

• Work with CPGS Management to review relevant policies.
• Understand and apply relevant regulations.
• Keep track record of new developments.

Competencies

• Academic and student support expertise
• Strong project management and organisation skills
• Strong networking skills
• Proficiency in resource development
• Computer literacy
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Presentation skills
• Decision-making skills
• Research experience and abilities

General Information

Closing Date: 22 September 2023

For enquires and assistance with your on-line application, please email Ms Sihle Hili, (Human Capital Department) at ilis@cput.ac.za

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS THUS IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE SYSTEM WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR EVALUATION OF YOUR APPLICATION BY OUR PANEL.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology