Job Description

This post was previously advertised as Job ID 5402 and 5449. All applications received in response to the previous advertisement will automatically be considered again. Previous applicants, therefore, do not need to reapply.

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.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Placement of students

- Source jobs/employment opportunities from different companies and successfully place UFS students and graduates according to deliverables.
- Implement MSDF foundation resolutions.
- Prepare students for interviews by reviewing cv's, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, conduct mock interviews and provide feedback, in collaboration with student relations.
- Network build relationships and coalition with internal and external companies, staff and students for student placement.
- Drive initiatives and stakeholder relations to increase the employability and placement of students.
- Place students and graduates successfully in jobs.
- Post available job opportunities on different social media platforms and websites.
- Plan, organize and implement placement preparation day in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

• Company Relations

- Plan, organize and implement career weeks and fairs successfully.
- Market Career Services through flyers, company presentations, podcasts, social media, e-mail communication and telephonic follow-up.
- Assist Student Relations with workplace readiness activities.
- Assist wherever possible with the career closet initiatives.
- Plan and execute company relations initiatives, programmes, and events to secure placement of students.
- Engage with faculty on current employment trends and placement.
- Represent the institution to target external companies by attending company relations' stakeholder events and organizing Company Relations Corporate events.
- Create and manage new systems in the institution and technology sphere to communicate effectively with potential clients and students, to build and add onto the tool for professional communication with customers/companies.
- Assist with company relations' initiatives, programmes, plans and events to secure placement for students.
- Collaborate with faculties through Academic Advisory Boards to build stronger ties within the industry and remain career relevant.

• Division of Student Affairs Involvement

- Participate actively in student affairs structures by attending meetings and representing the Career Services division.
- Fulfil the roles of liaison officer and marketer when necessary.

• Maintain and update the Company relations system

- Responsible for the successful implementation of the job portal and continued maintenance and management of the platform.
- Participate actively in strategic planning discussions in Career Services, Student Affairs and Centre for Teaching and Learning.
- Capturing and updating company information on the CRM system, CareerHub, Learner Case Management system, and spreadsheets.
- Post and regularly update the job portal and add job postings per week.

• Monitoring and Evaluation

- Monitor and evaluate all programmes, workshops, and events continuously.
- Create, update, and maintain - the student database and stakeholder database utilizing the graduate exit survey and destination survey.
- Monitor student progress in the job application process as well as in their new work environment closely.
- Follow up on student progress through emails and calls.
- Monitor and evaluate all programmes, workshops, and events on a continuous basis.
- Track and report on successful placements.
- Report on career weeks and career fairs.
- Build and improve Career Services programmes.
- Encourage and monitor UFS academic achievers to partake in the GRADSTAR programme and awards.

• Employment outcomes and deliverables

- Place students and graduates in jobs.
- Ensure successful implementation of the job portal and continuous maintenance and management of the platform.
- Ensure outcomes and deliverables for placement of students are met.
- Drive initiatives and stakeholder relations to increase the employability and placement of students.
- Liaise with service providers to upkeep the job portal.
- Liaise with companies, employers, firms, and stakeholders to increase the employment of students.

• Strategic Planning

- Actively participate in strategic planning discussions in Career Services, Student Affairs and the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
- Strategize on opportunities to enhance recruitment efforts and implement identified strategies.
- Develop, coordinate, and help with marketing strategies.
- Research - analyse trends in the job market as well as in the recruitment sphere.

• Operational and Administrative Management

- Assist administrative staff with systems regarding finances, website, PeopleSoft data, etc.
- Take ownership and responsibility for office operations.
- Write and submit weekly and monthly reports on work progress and deliverables.

Inherent requirements:

• A bachelor's degree/advanced diploma/ postgraduate certificate on NQF level 7.
• A minimum of Two (2) years of relevant working experience related to duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Postgraduate diploma on NQF Level 8.
• Blackboard, PeopleSoft, SharePoint, Excel.
• Experience working with recruiters and successfully placing students into internships, graduate programmes, or job opportunities.
• Experience in organising and implementing career fairs and industry events.

Competencies

Required competencies:

• Results oriented.

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one's task.

• Strategic thinking.

- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- 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 interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver's license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:
01 March 2024.

Closing date:
10 February 2024.

Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is R 408,148.51- R 513,407.84 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 9814 or email MakolaCM@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 /9810 / 9848 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 Policy is available at : https://ufsacza.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/supportservices/hr/Employment Equity/EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=TjtoXH

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.

Additional Information

University of the Free State