Job Description

Job Title
Senior Assistant Officer (post level 12) Job ID: 6272
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> International Office
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
19/11/2025
Description

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:

Provide specialist administrative, coordination and systems support across the three core workstreams of the partnerships portfolio - international partnerships, collaborative degrees and mobility programmes. Contribute to the delivery of strategic goals through operational follow-through, providing data analysis and data-bank management. Responsible for the establishment, drafting and renewal of agreements and collaborations in line with the UFS strategic priorities and as required by internal stakeholders. Research and compile comprehensive briefing notes on international partner universities, informal collaboration with international universities, as well as other Higher Education stakeholders. Build databases and maintain accurate records. Update internal systems including the Partnership Scorecard, Partnership Matrix, Collaborative Degree Matrix, and RIMS. Coordinate visits by partner universities, prospective partner universities and other international visitors/delegations. Liaise and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Provide advice to management, academics, and administrators on the processes of establishing and renewing cooperation agreements. Perform procurement and other requests and requisitions using the PeopleSoft Financial System. Support the portfolio and office with monitoring implementation progress on key projects through tools such as PowerBI, RIMS and others.

Inherent requirements:

A bachelor's degree or BTech degree on NQF Level 7. A minimum of one (1) year's relevant experience in partnership management, including databases, student/staff mobility, and collaborative academic programmes, as well as international agreements, mobility logistics, and academic partnerships.

Recommendations:

Two (2) years' relevant experience in higher education internationalization. Honours degree on NQF level 8. Knowledge of the Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education.
Competencies

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.

o 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.

o Business Acumen:

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

o Leading:

The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

o Building Coalitions:

The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

01 February 2026

Closing date:

19 November 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is

R246 525,00 - R317 079,00 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 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.zaAdditionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813/ 9814 / 7659 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.