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.
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Duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute to academic advising during the process of registration on the BFN campus.
• Provide academic advising support and referral to prospective students about degree/programme selection.
• Collaborating with faculties (i.e. Education, Theology and Religion) to develop and deliver academic advice and support, where required.
• Connect students to student support stakeholders (on-campus professional staff - academic and support)
• Develop and deliver contextualised just-in-time academic advising services for students.
• Present student academic support and wellness initiatives (i.e. Central Academic Advising Learning Communities) aligned to the AA cycle.
• Contribute to the Kovsies Advice edition, where necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions with students (case management system).
• Maintain systematic and frequent student communication and engagements (emails, SMSes, and calls).
• Maintain a relationship with the UFS Advising Network.
• Participate in research and academic advising practice-related training and development opportunities (eg. Centre for Graduate Studies and ELETSA webinars)
• Contribute to the training, development, support and supervision of Advisor/transition advisor in academic advising.
• Develop work plans for advisor/transition advisor
• Support the ongoing training and development advisor/transition advisor in academic advising.
• Contribute to the quality assurance (qualitative and quantitative data collected from academic advising initiatives) within the UFS.
• Use evidence-based practices to inform academic advising practices
• Participate in learning and teaching research within the institution.
• Participate in research-driven academic advising practice within the institution.
• Contribute to research output in academic advising through conferences, presentations, and/or publications through appropriate channels

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in the field of Social Sciences/Education or a relevant field.
• A minimum of two (2) years' relevant experience in higher education.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in teaching and learning (academic advising, tutoring, success coaching, etc.)
• Certification as a trained Academic Advisor (ie, AAPD SLP)(attach proof).

Recommendations:

• Three (3) years' relevant experience in academic advising.
• Honours degree on NQF level 8 in the field of Social Science/Education or relevant field.

Competencies
Key Competencies Required:

• Results Orientated:

- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
- The ability to maintain composure and self-control.

• 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.

• Business Acumen:

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- 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 sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
Required Documents
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.
• 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).

Assumption of duties:
1 September 2025 or as soon as possible
Closing date:
18 August 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 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9813/ 9329 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.