Job Description

Job Title
Senior Officer (post level 9) Job ID: 6269
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> International Office
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Junior Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
19/11/2025
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:

Coordinate the provision of international student services at the University of the Free State (UFS). Provide primary information, support, and assistance to international students and staff on matters specific to their status, to ensure compliance with immigration legislation. Support the Director: Office for International Affairs in financial administration and contribute to the effective management of internationalisation processes at UFS. Contribute to the delivery of strategic goals through administrative and compliance due diligence. Act as a liaison with the Department of Home Affairs and relevant South African embassies abroad. Act as a liaison with relevant non-governmental stakeholders, including visa application centres and approved medical aid providers. Manage registration processes for international students and facilitate medical aid compliance for international students. Responsible for immigration compliance of all international students. Responsible for specialised support to refugee students. Support financial management processes. Coach and mentor staff. Responsible for the update of the International Student Guide annually. Manage logistics for exchange programmes. Advising UFS staff on visa processes.

Inherent requirements:

Bachelor's degree or a BTech degree on NQF Level 7. Minimum of two (2) years' relevant working experience relating to immigration compliance. Demonstrable knowledge of international student administrative processes, immigration laws, including visa types, and the regulations related to them.

Recommendations:

Three (3) years' relevant experience in international student administration, office financial management. Honours degree on NQF level eight (8) in the field of Project management, Law. Knowledge of the SA Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education and project management. Expert knowledge of South African immigration laws, visa types. Expert knowledge on requirements related to international student registration and compliance. Full scope of UFS financial processes at the end-user side. Knowledge of PeopleSoft Campus solutions Valid Driver's licence.
Competencies

Required competencies:

Results Orientated:

The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one's task. The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

o Strategic Thinking:

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

o 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.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible

Closing date:

19 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 2979

or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.zaAdditionally, kindly contact 051 401 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.