Job Description

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

Review and develop policies, procedures, frameworks, and guidelines pertaining to quality assurance within UFS.
Responsible for the administration and maintenance of the UFS Programme Qualifications Mix (PQM), the concomitant plans and modules.
Manage the total approval process (internal and external) of qualifications, accreditation, and registration of relevant academic programmes for contact as well as distance education provisioning.
Manage institution-wide quality assurance processes, including the Universitys participation in national quality assurance initiatives, e.g., national reviews of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), internal and external reviews of academic and support service departments, and module evaluations.
Manage and administer the academic structure and qualifications on PeopleSoft and the seamless integration thereof with the online registration process.
Ensure the assurance of Short Learning Programmes and concomitant administrative support activities, including but not limited to the setting of standards and devising of quality assurance instruments.
Actively participate in relevant Committee Structures.
Maintain effective working relationships with academic faculties, other academic support services and the senior management of the institution.
Participate in the strategic planning and operational processes of DIRAP to mote cross-functional unity and engagement.
Direct the operational management of the unit, i.e., operational planning and reporting, human resources and financial management, and general oversight of the Academic Planning team.
Keep abreast of the external regulatory environment that governs the university, e.g., Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology, South African Qualifications Authority and the Council on High Education and act accordingly.

Inherent Job Requirements

A PhD on NQF level 10.
A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience in Higher Education and academia with at least five (5) years in a middle management role.

Recommendations

A PhD on NQF level 10 with a specialisation in Higher Education studies will be an added advantage.
A proven research record of relevant publications in the field of Quality Assurance.

Key Competencies Required:

Results oriented.
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing ones task.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
- The ability to maintain composure and self-control.
- 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 focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- 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 and academic management systems.
- In-depth knowledge of the South African Higher Education context, including (but not limited to) the role and function of the DHET, CHE, SAQA and HEQSF.
- In-depth knowledge of curriculum development and transformation and quality assurance.
- Knowledge of institutional policies, management procedures and administrative processes.
Leading.
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building coalitions
- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to 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.
Other additional knowledge/skills needed to perform effectively in the position
- Technological savvy.
- Corporate governance.
- Management principles, methodologies, and tools.
- Problem-solving and root-cause identification skills.
- Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges.
- Project management approaches, tools, and phases of the project lifecycle.
- Knowledge of and insight into the challenges facing higher education.

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
*Certified copies must not be older than 6 months

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter
• Certified copies of all academic records
• Certified copies of relevant qualifications (please provide SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications)
• A Certified* copy of your identity document
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable)
• A copy of your driver's license (if applicable)
• A service record of your current employer / last employer (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties
01 January 2024.

Closing date
17 September 2023.

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 or for assistance, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9737 or by email at JonesEY@ufs.ac.za.

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 Policy is available at: https://ufsacza.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/supportservices/hr/Employment Equity/EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=TjtoXH

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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