Job Description

Job Title
Programme Director (Contract Appointment: Five years): Department of Physics (Job ID: 6213)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Physics
Contract Type
Contract
Occupational Level
Temporary
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
14/8/2025
Description

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY PERMANENT ACADEMIC STAFF FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE'S DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.

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.

Duties and responsibilities:

In consultation with the Academic Head of Physics undertake the following:

Manage the curriculum processes of the department. Develop new learning programs in consultation with stakeholders. Ensure frequent and continuous development and management of the operational plan of the Programme. Provide general leadership in the Programme and ensure academic coherence across all the various modules of the programme. Ensure that the activities of the Programme are undertaken in accordance with the governance, policy, and regulatory frameworks of the University. Assume responsibility for the academic quality of the Programme. Manage the academic administration of the Programme. Ensure scholarship of high quality. Manage matters relating to teaching, learning, and students in the Programme. Conduct own research. Provide academic advice in terms of academic inquiries, amendments of yearbooks, schedules, timetables, etc. related to the Programme. Serve on the marketing committee of the faculty as necessary. Assist with marketing pamphlets or any suitable marketing material, etc. for the purpose of needs assessment and correlation of subject content with professional precepts.

Inherent Job Requirements:

PhD degree on NQF Level 10. Any full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the Department of Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Recommendations:

Exposure to programme development and academic advisory services will be an advantage.

Competencies

Key Competencies:

Results oriented.

The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations. The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking.

The ability to plan work and to follow plans. The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office. Good organisational skills and administrative abilities. Good management skills. Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).

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 be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

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).

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

14 August 2025

Allowance:

The Programme Director allowance is payable, which is calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the relevant decision-making structures of the UFS. The value of the allowance is available on request.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email at PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 /9814 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: UFS EEA13 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026

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.