Job Description

Purpose
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs (SI, I&IA) provides executive leadership in driving the University's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with UFS Vision 130 and national higher education priorities. The DVC: SI, I&IA will work closely with all members of the executive in the formulation and design of strategic initiatives and operational improvements under the broad direction of the Vice Chancellor and Principal (VCP). The role embeds institutional transformation, promotes equity and inclusivity, strengthens data-informed decision-making, and positions the University as a regionally engaged, globally competitive, and socially responsive institution.
Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Council, Senate, and Executive Committee.
• Lead institutional foresight, strategic business cases, and major initiatives, including new ventures, collaborations, and partnerships.
• Oversee the Institutional Project Management Office and related strategic initiatives.
• Represent the University in national and international forums.
• Ensure effective leadership of the portfolio's people, finances, and resources, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs):
1. Strategic Leadership and Initiatives

• Lead the development, monitoring, and evaluation of the UFS Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with Vision 130 and Council-approved goals.
• Drive institutional performance management, scenario planning, and risk management.
• Oversee institutional data and analytics to support strategic evidence-based decision-making.
• Oversee the Strategic Fund and the funded strategic projects.

2. Internationalisation and Global Engagement

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internationalisation strategy to enhance UFS's global reputation.
• Strengthen academic and research partnerships with international universities, networks, and agencies.
• Oversee international student recruitment, mobility programmes, and exchange agreements.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Transformation

• Provide executive oversight of transformation initiatives, ensuring compliance with the Employment Equity Act and UFS Transformation Strategy.
• Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies across academic, support, and student domains.
• Promote a culture of belonging, respect, and recognition.

4. Governance and Policy Leadership

• Serve as Chair/member of designated Senate, Council, and institutional committees.
• Oversee policy development and implementation related to strategy, transformation, and internationalisation.
• Ensure compliance with national legislation and Council directives.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strategic networks with government, higher education bodies (DHET, CHE, USAf, DoEL), and international partners.
• Engage actively with donors, funders, and external stakeholders to mobilise resources.
• Strengthen partnerships with communities, NGOs, and industry to enhance social impact.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A doctoral degree (PHD/Professional Doctorate) at NQF Level 10.
• Minimum of ten (10) years' experience and proven track record of senior academic leadership (DVC, Executive Dean or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of national and international higher education systems, especially governance, legislation, institutional change and internationalisation.
• Strong experience in strategic planning and institutional change.
• Proven record of stakeholder relations and collaboration with government and international partners/networks.
• Demonstrated record of research, teaching and postgraduate supervision and preferably be appointed at the Professor level.
• MBA (Executive management or Strategy) will be advantageous.

Competencies
Skills and attributes:

• Proven ability to operationalise strategy into implementable plans and projects.
• Exceptional strategic foresight, analytical ability and systems thinking.
• High-level negotiation, advocacy and communication skills.
• Ethical leadership, integrity and accountability.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Ability to build a culture of inclusivity, resilience and innovation.

Assumption of duties
1 February 2026.
Closing date
23 October 2025
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
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 and Cover Letter.
• 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).

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 contact the Acting Senior Director: Human Resources at 051 401 9383 or email ratsoanems@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9329 or vermaakm@ufs.ac.za 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:
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.
Additional Information

Skills Required