Job Description

Job Title
Officer (post level 10/11)(contract appointment: 12 months): Division: First Year Seminar (Job ID: 6291)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic -> Centre for Teaching and Learning
Contract Type
Contract
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Qwaqwa Campus - Qwaqwa, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
26/11/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted 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.

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. 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:

People management

Supervise and train Teaching Assistants (TAs): Coordinate TA duties, plan for and facilitate training and professional development, monitor performance, and provide feedback on evaluations to improve teaching practices. Manage TA operations: Track meeting and class attendance, manage assessment grading, and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures. Support TA events: Assist with the coordination of the annual recognition event for Teaching Assistants.

Administration

Manage module communications: Develop and send weekly student communications through official university platforms. Create and manage communication lists and plans for

the First Year Seminar (FYS) modules.

Oversee email management: Handle and organise the mailbox, including creating response templates for the FYS module mailbox. Coordinate quality control: Contribute to the coordination and implementation of the teaching and assessment quality control process and manage the communication of document updates to TAs and students. Logistical arrangements:

o Plan the team's events, training and travelling.

o Liaise with relevant staff and external stakeholders with regards to logistical and financial matters.

o Liaise with relevant staff and external stakeholders regarding FYS classes.

Student Support

Provide direct student support: Respond to student queries via email, phone, and in-person consultations. Identify and support at-risk students: Track and identify at-risk students and those with registration issues, communicating with them and relevant university staff to facilitate support. Engage in student outreach: Contact students regarding their participation in surveys and focus groups. Serve as a liaison: Liaise with various team members, university staff and external stakeholders, to address student queries and access relevant success-related data.

Teaching and Learning

Contribute to and review the development of innovative learning materials for the FYS curriculum. Contribute to and support implementation of innovative methods for teaching and learning within the FYS curriculum. Contribute to best practice in UFSS through data management of the Teaching Assistant Programme.

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 the South African higher education environment. A minimum of two (2) years' experience in teaching and learning (Facilitation, tutoring, training, etc.).

Recommendations:

A minimum of three (3) years' work experience in the South African higher education environment. Honours degree on NQF level 8 in the field of Social Science/Education or relevant field. Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures. Knowledge and experience in the facilitation of training and development.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

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 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 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 be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others. The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:

1 February 2026

Closing date:

26 November 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 338 901.25 - R 436 056,75 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 4012876 or email

SeitlhekoL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 9813 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: EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.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.