Job Description

Job Title
Deputy Director: Institutional Student Governance Office (ISGO) (post level 6) (Job ID: 6119)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Student Affairs
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Middle Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
25/4/2025
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.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the Institutional Student Governance Office's (ISGO) goals in line with the vision, mission and values of the Division Student Affairs (DSA) and the UFS. Support the integrated reporting of ISGO on all three campuses. Engage with the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) and the entire student body on all three campuses. Ensure participation of the Student Representative Council (SRC) in all relevant UFS forums. Assist in the management and mitigation of risks within Student Governance. Support the programmes and activities of the ISRC. Address the underlying issues that may be driving student protests, in collaboration with senior leadership. Contribute to the development of DSA strategy as directed by the Executive Director. Collaborate with Student Life to support Leadership training and capacity-building programmes.

Financial Management:

Support the management of the ISGO's budget and financial planning. Assist with allocation of budgets for sub-units of the ISGO. Ensure the responsible allocation and spending of funds to meet UFS and DSA objectives.

Project Management:

Identify new opportunities in respect of student needs, conceptualize relevant programmes and direct the implementation in line with divisional goals. Support the execution of strategic projects within IGSO. Monitor and evaluate the impact of strategic projects. Assist in reinforcing systems that promote a culture of accountability and integrity at the UFS, with a special focus on Student Leaders. Help plan and ensure, in consultation with the Executive Director, the planning and smooth running of SRC elections.

Policy Development:

Identify policy gaps for development within Student Governance and review existing policies for alignment. Lead and review the development and ensure compliance with consultative processes and the submission to relevant approval structures. Ensure implementation of policies within the ISGO environment. Guide and provide leadership within ISGO as a core part of the Student Affairs Senior Leadership Group. Represent ISGO in relevant Institutional committees. Represent the Executive Director in various institutional committees when delegated. Ensure ISRC constitution and related ISGO policies are reviewed when the policy term ends.

Personnel Management:

Lead human resources processes, in collaboration with Human Resources, concerning personnel in ISGO. Contribute to attract and retain sufficiently qualified and competent staff. Encourage teamwork and departmental coherence. Support the implementation of the staff Performance Management Programme. Ensure efficient management of leave processes. Ensure efficient and effective administration of Student Affairs financial resources. Ensure the adherence to university procurement procedures within ISGO. Support the implementation of processes aligned to achieve employment equity targets in Student Affairs. Assist with the continuous development of ISGO staff.

Protest Management and Resolution:

Act as a liaison between the administration and student groups to reach a consensus and peaceful resolution. Collaborate with campus security to maintain order and manage potential risks during the protests. Monitor social media and other communication channels to stay updated on the progress of protests, to respond to student concerns and advise the Executive Director: Student Affairs. Develop communication plans to inform students, faculty members, and the public about the protests and any related activities or news. Facilitate discussions and other forms of debate to promote conversation and dialogue rather than violence. Work with university leaders and faculty members to identify potential solutions to the challenges that students are protesting about. Advise, through the Executive Director, university executive management on potential protests and solutions thereof.

Inherent requirements

Honours degree/postgraduate diploma/professional bachelor's degree on NQF Level 8. A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities. Relevant experience within the higher-education environment.

Recommendations

Experience in and sound knowledge of Student Governance. Ability to think strategically and engage strategic frameworks. Demonstrated administrative experience. A firm understanding of the challenges in the higher education sector in South Africa. Background in higher education and student Governance structures.

Competencies

Required Competencies

Results-orientation:

The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals and work to achieve success. 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.

o Strategic thinking:

The ability to think strategically and operationalise thinking into plans and projects. The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues. The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

o Business acumen:

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

o Leadership:

A successful track record of leadership and team building. 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 negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people. The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter. Copies of qualifications or proof of qualifications obtained (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications). A copy of your identity document (SA ID or passport for foreign nationals). Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if required). A copy of your driver's license (if required). Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties

As soon as possible.

Closing date

25 April 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 9814 or MakolaCM@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979/ 9810/ 9813/ 9848/ 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 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 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.