Job Description

Since its bold founding in 1916, the University of Fort Hare has embodied courage, resilience, and the pursuit of transformation. From its proud legacy as a cradle of African leadership and intellectual liberation to its continued determination to overcome contemporary challenges, Fort Hare's spirit of renewal endures. The University has been steadily advancing its transformative journey over the years -- the Decade of Renewal, marked by accountability, innovation, and academic excellence.
Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape, Fort Hare offers more than just a place to work; it offers a purpose. Here, you can help shape the future of one of South Africa's most historic and culturally rich institutions, while enjoying the province's natural beauty, sense of community, and space for professional growth.
Are you ready to be part of this journey and help reposition this iconic institution to the place it so richly deserves?
Applications are invited from visionary and committed professionals ready to make a lasting impact in the University's ongoing renewal.
DEPARTMENT: Executive Director- People Management and Engagement Office
POSITION: Executive Operations Management Permanent UFH Advert Reference No.: PM2
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in business administration or related to People Management, Marketing and Communication or Societal justice
• 6 years' work experience in a relevant environment of which 3 years must be management experience

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience of the divisional Executive's portfolio, policies & business processes that the post reports into
• Proficiency in research as well as producing and analysing complex source material, including information and data
• Experience in executive report writing that influences policy and assist in decision making
• Advanced ability in compiling high quality papers, speeches, reports, briefings and presentations
• Demonstrated competence & experience of project management, setting of KPI's and measuring performance from inception to completion
• Proven experience in a similar, challenging high-profile role supporting senior / executive leadership

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Managing and working independently on assigned projects from inception to completion, within the context of providing feedback & gaining commensurate approvals from the Executive
• Supporting the Executive in the achievement of Divisional goals, objectives, plans & projects
• Supporting the Executive in a wide variety of confidential matters, fact finding, researching topics, analysis and reporting
• Setting and managing administrative priorities for the Executive's Office and managing subordinate administrative staff to achieve set objectives
• Assists the Executive in the development & maintenance of policies & procedures within the Executive's portfolio, thereby implying that in-depth knowledge and understanding of institutional policy and the Tertiary Education landscape is required
• Drafting reports, speeches, editing documents, preparing briefings, papers and presentations in support of the Executive (inclusive of supporting the Executive with work allocated by Council committees and for submission to internal/external entities)
• Collecting and assimilating information from a variety of different sources, whilst maintaining confidentiality and exercising diplomacy
• Providing support in the coordination, follow-up and management of activities of direct reports and managerial staff, reporting to the Executive

COMPETENCIES:

• The achievement of excellence in a field of expertise or industry, supported by a proven track record and experience and applying this in all aspects of business, to foresee pitfalls & manage acceptable risk
• The ability to lead an institutional division through change and new direction without losing effectiveness
• The capacity to make decisions based on analysis of information presented from all angles in the face of ambiguous, uncertain or conflicting situation

REMUNERATION
A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority of the position, experience and qualifications, will be offered.
ENQUIRIES:
Queries can be directed to Ms. Andisiwe Sonjica on and 043 704 7190.
The University reserves the right to make an appointment or not to fill the post.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not hear from us within eight weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
APPLICATIONS:
Interested candidates who meet the criteria are invited to visit the website for a more comprehensive advert.
Applications must be made online before the closing date, and the following documents must be attached:

• A completed University of Fort Hare Application Form,
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae,
• A Cover letter stating how you satisfy the requirements of the advertised position,
• Names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees,
• Copies of all your academic qualifications and proof of registration with professional bodies,
• If applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.
• Incomplete or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

CLOSING DATE: 16 November 2025
University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.

Skills Required