Job Description

Due to the changing landscape of the University of the Free State, the various operational responsibilities currently reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations will be consolidated under a Chief Operating Officer (COO). The position of COO is at the level and status of an Executive Director (Peromnes Level 3). The incumbent will be a member of the executive team reporting to the Vice Chancellor and Principal and will provide executive oversight for all operational functions, including Human Resources, University Estates, Protection Services, Information, Communication and Technology Services and the three campuses.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted only online through the official UFS vacancy website: -

Duties and responsibilities

• Exercise executive oversight of professional support departments such as Human Resources, University Estates, Protection Services, Information, Communication and Technology Services and the related operations functions of the South, Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein campuses.
• Develop, implement and monitor strategic and operational plans in respect of this portfolio.
• Promote integrated administration and process management that supports the attainment of Vision 130.
• Oversee relevant policy development and implementation.
• Assist the Vice Chancellor and Principal in constituting an effective two-way interface between the governance functions of the Council and the executive management of the institution.
• Line manage and lead senior staff, including senior directors.
• Foster collegial and participatory internal governance through the committee system.
• Strengthen the UFS strategy to ensure an ethical and value-driven organisation by serving on and engaging in campus-wide forums relating to ethics and values, among other things.
• Engage with recognised employee unions on a regular basis to achieve a common and balanced understanding of university matters.
• Facilitate collaboration between faculties and support departments.
• Be accountable for cross-functional strategic projects.

Inherent requirements

• A master's degree on NQF Level 9 or a professional equivalent.
• A minimum of ten years' relevant experience in management positions, of which at least five years should be at a senior level reporting to a Vice-Chancellor, Chief Executive Officer or President of a large and diverse organisation.
• A demonstrated track record managing an equally complex portfolio and running a large operation with experience in human resource management, information and communication technologies and facilities management.
• A track record of advancing transformation in the workplace.

Recommendations

• A management qualification.
• Five years' experience in a university or equivalent setting.
• An understanding of developments in the higher-education arena nationally.
• Project management skills.
• A PhD degree.

Competencies

Required competencies.

• Results-orientated

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strategic thinking

• The ability to think strategically and operationalise thinking into plans and projects.
• Business acumen

• The ability to demonstrate effective communication skills, negotiation skills, persuasive skills and good interpersonal skills, and a well-reasoned decision-making ability.
• Leading

• A successful track record of leadership and teamwork.
• The ability to positively influence and inspire others towards shared goals.
• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Building coalitions

• The ability to operate confidently and sensitively across cultures and other divides.
• The ability to be flexible, approachable and change orientated.

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

1 August 2024

Closing date

5 March 2024.

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 contact 051 401 9737 or email JonesEY@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9848 or 051 401 9012 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:

EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).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 ot 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