Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - 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.
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.
• Cover letter motivating your application.
• 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).

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a pre-trip route assessment to determine the best route to be used when the actual trip is undertaken.
• Always be familiar with alternative routes in case of emergencies such as service delivery protests and severe weather conditions which often result in road closures.
• Liaise with the law enforcement and emergency functionaries in the area to be visited by the principal before the actual trip is undertaken.
• Always be vigilant for suspicious activities or events when travelling with the principals.
• During emergencies remain calm and apply all the tips contained in the UFS Protection of At-Risk Procedure.
• Report suspicious activities or emergency situations immediately to the relevant role players in accordance with UFS reporting protocols.
• Conduct a pre-liminary venue security assessment and escalate any safety and security concerns immediately to the UFS Protection Services management.
• Assess safe entrants, exits and parking to be used by the principal.
• Always liaise with the security functionaries of the host and the event coordinators regarding the event.
• Remain on high alert while at the event for potential risks and threats.
• Remain at the event venue until the event has finished.
• Assist the Protection Services Department with security vulnerability assessments of buildings and or sites as and when such a need arises, in collaboration with Operational Security and Technical Security role players.
• Identify and detect actual and perceived threats facing the university through the collection of stability related and crime related intelligence.
• Assist Protection Services Department with the management of student protests at any campus of the UFS when a need arises.
• Oversee the activities of the Protection Services Ambassadors and expand to the QwaQwa and South Campuses.
• Assist with any Adhoc duties as directed by the line manager.

Inherent requirements:

• A three-year bachelor's degree or an advanced diploma on NQF Level 7 or a three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6, in Security Management, Policing or Criminology.
• A minimum of two (2) years' relevant working experience in senior security operations/intelligence collection/ investigations.
• A valid PSIRA Grade B registration (attach a copy).
• A valid South African Driving License Code 8 (attach a copy).
• Advanced or Defensive driving certificate or ability to obtain it within six (6) months of appointment (attach a copy of the certificate or mention your undertaking to obtain such a certificate if you are the successful candidate).
• First Aid Level 3 certificate or ability to obtain it within six (6) months of appointment (attach a copy of the certificate or mention your undertaking to obtain such a certificate if you are the successful candidate).

Recommendations:

• Computer literacy.
• Exposure from a safety and security environment.
• Higher education sector experience.
• VIP or Executive Protection Certificate and experience (attach proof).
• Competent to possess a firearm in terms of Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (attach proof).
• Knowledge in conducting physical security assessments.
• Knowledge of the UFS systems and protocols in respect of private security companies and off-site security operations.
• Knowledge of the UFS environment and student activities.

Competencies
Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:

- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic Thinking:

- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

• 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.
- 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 interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties:
01 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Closing date:
27 July 2025
Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 447,323.31- R 562,750.48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.
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 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9810 / 9813 / 9814 / 9848 / 7659 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.