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:
Strategic Leadership and Programme Development
• Provide strategic leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous development of all Career Services programmes, projects, and services.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Career Services strategy aligned with institutional priorities, student success objectives, and employability outcomes.
• Lead the conceptualisation and execution of innovative career development initiatives that respond to evolving labour market trends and the future of work.
• Ensure Career Services initiatives support the institution's broader mission of graduate employability, societal impact, and responsible global citizenship.
• Drive the integration of national and global career development practices into institutional programming and student development initiatives.
Employer Relations and External Partnerships
• Establish, cultivate, and sustain strategic partnerships with employers, industry partners, professional bodies, and external stakeholders locally, nationally, and globally.
• Serve as the primary institutional liaison for employers engaging with Career Services and student recruitment initiatives.
• Develop employer engagement strategies that expand internship, graduate employment, and experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Facilitate employer participation in career fairs, networking events, industry engagement programmes, and recruitment initiatives.
Student Career Development and Employability
• Lead the development and delivery of comprehensive career development programmes that prepare students for successful transitions into the world of work.
• Design and facilitate career readiness initiatives, including workshops, career weeks, employability training, and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure students have access to current information and resources related to career pathways, labour market trends, and professional opportunities.
• Promote student engagement in career development initiatives through targeted outreach and collaboration with faculties and student communities.
• Oversee student-focused initiatives such as Career Ambassador programmes and other peer-led employability initiatives where applicable.
Institutional Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with faculties, academic departments, and support divisions to integrate career development into the student experience.
• Collaborate with institutional stakeholders to ensure alignment between Career Services initiatives and broader student success and graduate employability strategies.
• Contribute to cross-institutional initiatives within Student Affairs and Student Life that support student development and leadership.
• Represent Career Services in institutional committees, projects, and collaborative initiatives where relevant.
Operations, Project Management and Resource Stewardship
• Manage all operational aspects of Career Services, including programme coordination, resource allocation, and administrative oversight.
• Lead and manage projects, events, and initiatives within Career Services, ensuring effective delivery and measurable impact.
• Oversee budget planning and financial management for Career Services programmes and initiatives.
• Coordinate the work of interns, student assistants, or temporary staff where available to support programme delivery.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness and impact of Career Services programmes and initiatives.
• Maintain quality assurance across all Career Services activities, events, and student engagement programmes.
• Compile institutional reports, strategic insights, and annual reviews related to Career Services activities and outcomes.
• Utilise data and feedback to inform programme improvements and strategic decision-making.
Research, Innovation and Professional Engagement
• Monitor national and global trends in career development, employability, and higher education to inform programme innovation.
• Engage with professional networks, research initiatives, and sector collaborations related to career development and graduate employability.
• Identify opportunities for institutional participation in national and international career development initiatives, partnerships, and benchmarking activities.
Inherent requirements:
• A relevant qualification on NQF Level 7 in Psychology, Career Development, Industrial Psychology, Human Resource Management or closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience related to career services, student employability, stakeholder engagement and programme management.
Recommendations:
• A relevant postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8 or higher in Psychology, Career Development, Industrial Psychology, Human Resource Management or closely related field.
• Knowledge of recognising data patterns to adjust or change programmes, services, offerings.
• Knowledge of career Advising skills and knowledge.
• Knowledge of career development skills and experience.
• Knowledge of course design.
• Knowledge of leadership and Management skills.
• Knowledge of strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and crisis-management skills.
• Excellent bilingual communication skills.
• Public Speaking and confident networking and presentation skills.
• Professional conduct, time management and productivity skills.
• Advanced digital literateness.
• Knowledge of Symplicity Career Hub.
• Knowledge of Blackboard.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures.
• Member of a or registration at a professional body (attach proof).
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issue and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• 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.
• Building Coalitions:
- 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.
Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.
Closing date:
12 June 2026
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 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.az.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 9813 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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
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