Job Description

The Director: Monitoring and Institutional Research is responsible for providing overall leadership and coordination of the unit, working closely with other units within DIRAP to manage the University's strategic and institutional plans to achieve its Vision 130. Additionally, the Director of MIR oversees institutional research initiatives to support evidence-based decision-making and facilitate internal and external monitoring, evaluation and reporting.KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll.Duties and responsibilitiesLeadership:

• Provide leadership and support to the University's strategic and institutional planning processes and activities.
• Oversee the University's planning processes, including annual performance planning, resource projection, and long-term strategic planning.
• Provide sound coaching and mentoring to subordinates and University staff in relation to policy and planning processes and activities.
• Formulate strategic direction and plans for the unit.
• Represent the unit in DIRAP across university campuses and to the local community.
• Manage and provide leadership in all operational functions of the unit.
• Provide timely and appropriate advice to university leadership.
• Lead the development and direct the implementation of strategies and plans for the unit to enable the effective development and delivery of plans.
• Provide timely monthly reports to the Senior Director: DIRAP and other reports as requested.
• Take responsibility for developing and implementing a budget for the unit as part of the planning and resource allocation process and then manage within it.

Strategic planning:

• Coordinate the formulation of the University's long-term strategic plan.
• Work closely with senior managers and stakeholders to guide the University's policy and planning programs to support long-range development and strategic initiatives and evaluate institutional effectiveness.
• Manage the development and implementation of core institutional capabilities to promote sound planning, decision-making, and reporting.

Research:

• Manage the analysis of university performance and conduct institutional studies, surveys and research as needed.
• Manage the analysis of the directorate's needs and articulate them in DIRAP and to the University.

Internal/external reporting:

• Manage the timeous submission of accurate statutory reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), i.e. annual performance plan, mid-year performance report, and annual report.
• Manage the accurate and timely monitoring of institutional performance against the annual performance plan on the HEDAWeb APPM (Higher Education Data Analyzer Web Annual Performance Plan Module) dashboards with other DIRAP units.
• Manage stakeholder collaboration in producing planning documents and performance reports.
• Manage the monitoring and improvement of the uptake and impact of planning documents and performance reports.

Ad hoc:

• Manage tasks delegated by the Senior Director's Office.
• Manage other tasks or responsibilities that arise spontaneously in MIR.

Personal development:

• Keep abreast of new higher education regulations to ensure institutional compliance.
• Participate in the activities of relevant professional associations.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A Master's degree on NQF Level 9.
• A minimum of eight (8) years relevant experience in areas indicated in the duties and responsibilities, of which five (5) years must have been in a managerial and strategic leadership position.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning and execution.
• Experience in a university or similar environment.

Recommendations

• Deep knowledge of South African higher education planning and reporting regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of social science research methodologies and research ethics.
• Strong publication record demonstrating research capability.
• Advanced project management and strategic planning abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Office programs.
• Financial management skills for budget development and resource allocation.
• Leadership and stakeholder management skills for coordinating across multiple university departments and

external organisations.CompetenciesKey Competencies Required:

• Results Orientated:

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.

• Strategic Thinking:

- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

• Business Acumen:

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

• Leading:

- The ability to maintain high levels of 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 self-assured and at ease with people in all social situations.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.Required DocumentsPlease ensure 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
1 July 2025Closing date
28 February 2025Salary
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 9329 or email VermaakM@ufs.ac.za. In addition, kindly contact 051 401 9848 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.Additional Information

University of the Free State