Job Description

The Office for International Affairs (OIA) serves as the principal point of engagement between the UFS and its international partners. The principal purpose of the OIA is, therefore, to enable internationalisation at the UFS. The directorate promotes and supports the internationalisation agenda of the UFS, in particular the identification and promotion of and engagement with international strategic partners. The office also provides administrative advice and support to international staff and students at the UFS, including providing assistance and specialised administrative support to visiting academics, fellows, and students.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted only 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.

Duties and responsibilities

Promote and facilitate strategic international partnerships.
Provide specialised services to international staff and students of the UFS and ensure their compliance with relevant legislation.
Provide international scholarships and opportunities for UFS students.
In consultation with the Directorate for Research Development, provide and facilitate international funding opportunities for UFS staff.
Liaise with external stakeholders such as the government, embassies in South Africa, science councils and funding agencies.
Conduct research on internationalisation.
Provide strategic and operational direction and action for the full spectrum of activities associated with the internationalisation agenda aligned to Vision 130 of the University of the Free State.
Develop and implement plans to strengthen the internationalisation of the University of the Free State to realise its vision of being a research-led university.
Manage the operational planning and effective utilisation of all available resources (physical, human and financial) to ensure the university's mandate and strategic direction are successfully understood and implemented.
Oversee the coordinated approach of a broad range of interrelated programmes and services as they apply to international students.
Represent the UFS where applicable and on committees and agencies as required.

Inherent Job Requirements

A masters degree on NQF Level 9 or equivalent.
A minimum of eight (8) years relevant working experience relating to most of the duties and responsibilities, of which at least three (3) years should be in a managerial capacity.
Proven international exposure to the higher education or research environment of other countries.
Preparedness to travel internationally.

Recommendations

A doctoral degree on NQF Level 10.
Leadership experience in the internationalisation of the higher-education environment.
A proven track record of acquiring funding.
International project leadership and management experience.
A valid drivers license.

Key Competencies Required:

Results orientation:
- 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 carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
- The ability to apply the principles of scientific diplomacy.
- The capability to develop strategy and operationalise strategy into plans and projects.
Business acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficiency in using MS Office.
- Knowledge of South Africas science and technology system, including the higher-education legal framework.
- Knowledge of the specific governance and policy framework directing the internationalisation of higher education in South Africa, including the Immigration Act.
- An understanding of financial management and budgeting.
Leadership:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and direction to others.
- The ability to cooperate with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building of coalitions:
- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence, and persuade others.
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to be sensitive to and understanding of the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
A copy of your drivers license (if applicable).
Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties
As soon as possible.

Closing date
31 January 2024.

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 051 401 9737 or email JonesEY@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9012/ 9329/ 9848 for assistance.

General
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a competency exercise, which will be communicated following the shortlisting process.

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 Policy is available at :EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).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.

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