Job Description

UP Professional and Support

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DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION


HEAD: GRADUATE SUPPORT HUB


PEROMNES POST LEVEL 4

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.



KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:


The incumbent will be responsible to contribute towards the achievement of the University of Pretoria (UP) 's strategic goals. This includes, but is not limited to:

Academic support to postgraduate students:

Develop and implement postgraduate academic support strategic plans for all Faculties at UP in line with the overarching UP strategic plan; Facilitate the completion of postgraduate degree programmes within the stipulated minimum periods for specific degree programmes; Lead the provision of research capacity through training programmes focusing on research methodology, data analysis, and writing skills, etc.; Manage and monitor research capacity development programmes for postgraduates, e.g. proposal development training workshops, seminars, tutorials, data analysis, writing programmes, etc.; Ensure that the academic support enhances the quality of postgraduate education provided to the students and improve throughput rates at UP; Enhance access to higher education at UP by managing bursaries and postgraduate scholarships awarded to academically deserving postgraduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Graduate one-stop-shop/Centre:

Partner with and professional service departments leading postgraduate recruitment for the University in line with the overarching UP strategic plan, the University's Five-Year Plans and Annual Academic Plans; Spearhead consultations with Faculties and Departments through relevant stakeholders responsible for research; Review activities, gaps and requirements for continued enhancement of the Graduate Hub services, appropriate programmes and support.
Postgraduate bursaries and scholarships:

Oversee the management and administration of a portfolio of bursaries and scholarships aimed at enhancing access to higher education at UP; Implement effective and transparent application, selection and awarding processes; Manage funds that are made up for the bursaries and scholarships that are offered annually.
Postdoctoral fellowship programmes:

Oversee and supervise the administration of postdoctoral fellowships that account for millions of rands per year; Facilitate operation of a functional UP Postdoctoral Fellow Forum; Spearhead quality assurance and quality control of the entire portfolio implementation from application and review processes to comprehensive reporting systems and impact analyses.
External funds for postgraduate scholarship and research:

Facilitate and/or lead grant applications for external funds to enhance access to education at UP and capacity development; Provide support to Faculties and Departments directly or through the applicable stakeholders e.g. UP Department of Institutional Advancement.
Human Resources Management:

Manage the performance and development of staff; Participate in staff recruitment processes and arrange/conduct the required staff training and induction; Provide leadership concerning the division's operational and strategic activities and monitor productivity, absenteeism, and staff morale; Develop and establish relationships and communications between systems and other UP personnel members to ensure that staff members render services that achieve optimal client satisfaction.
Financial and Administration Management:

Manage divisional funds according to university policy; Ensure that appropriate financial processes and controls exist for the management of funds; Manage annual budgets and control income and expenditure.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field; A total of 8 years' experience (of which three years is in management): Relevant work experience with proven experience in and knowledge of, inter alia; + Training at university level
+ Research (quantitative and/or qualitative)
+ Supervision of postgraduate students
+ Managing funded projects
+ Capacity building of researchers
A valid driver's licence.


REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Research methodologies; Advanced knowledge of higher education landscape; Research funding and grant applications; Research data management; Research ethics; Use of statistical software; Use of qualitative data analysis software; Use of reference management software; Use of plagiarism software; Written and verbal communication skills; Leadership and interpersonal skills; Team and capacity building competencies; Ability to work independently and under pressure; Ability to manage time effectively; Decision making and critical thinking.


ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

A total of 2 years' experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.


PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.


The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.



Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, select about UP, click on Career Opportunities and select the position to be applied for.



In applying for this post, please attach:

A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 19 September 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.



ENQUIRIES:


Mrs M Molema on e-mail: maryjane.molema@up.ac.za or Tel: 012 420 2903 for application related enquiries. Advocate L Baloyi on e-mail: lawrence.baloyi@up.ac.za or Tel 012 420 5303 on enquiries related to the position.

Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.