Job Description

Job Title
Professional Optometrist (20 hours per week)(5 positions)(contract appointment: 2 years) (Job ID: 6292)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Faculty of Health Sciences -> School for Allied Health Professions -> Department Optometry
Contract Type
Contract
Occupational Level
Junior Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
16/11/2025
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:

Support practical training of students through supervision and assessment of practical Optometry training. Provide clinical supervision and perform clinical assessments of students during clinical Optometry training. Assist with supervision of undergraduate research projects. Provide support to clinical skills development for students within Optometry. Assist in the coordination of clinical training of students in various settings, including in community-based settings. Contribute to relevant development within the domain of Optometry clinical training. Perform general administration related to clinical training. Attend and contribute to relevant committees and meetings.

Inherent requirements:

A professional bachelor's degree in optometry at NQF Level 8. At least one-year clinical supervision experience in Optometry. A good academic record (attach academic record). Registered with the HPCSA as an Optometrist (attach proof) A valid driver's licence (attach a copy).

Recommendations:

Master's degree in Optometry, or willingness to enrol for a master's degree in Optometry at the first available opportunity, if not yet attained by the time of appointment. Delivery of a poster or oral presentation at a conference. Publication(s) in an accredited academic journal.

Competencies

Required competencies:

Results Orientated:

The ability to cope with frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

o Strategic Thinking:

The ability to plan work and to follow plans. The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

o Business Acumen:

Proficient in using MS Office.

o 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.

o Building Coalitions:

The ability to be self-assured and at eases with people in all types of social situations. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

1 January 2026.

Closing date:

16 November 2025.

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

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 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813/2979/2558 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.