Senior Officer: Project Manager (post level 9): Academic Planning (Job ID: 6442)

About

The University of the Free State seeks a Senior Officer: Project Manager (post level 9) for Academic Planning at the Bloemfontein Campus.

Requirements

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 national research projects within the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) to attain deliverables within the set time, with agreed resources and within budget by applying project management principles.
• Set up budget estimates, control project costs, and manage risks.
• Liaise with project stakeholders and funders regarding project schedule and deliverables.
• Provide project management training to CTL staff.
• Update and distribute service agreement contracts with various national and international institutions.
• Prepare correspondence, including meeting minutes, for team/stakeholders.
• Communicate with stakeholders/sponsors regarding project progress about timelines, funding and deliverables.
• Organise logistical arrangements with regard to workshops and conferences online/face-to-face.
• Coordinate and assist with the preparation of reports pertaining to projects’ progress and deliverables.
• Support project external and internal evaluation processes and audits.
• Ensure quality management of project deliverables.
• Collaborate with other researchers within CTL and UFS on data-related research and analysis.
• Interpret results from the above-mentioned and write reports based on findings.

Inherent Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6 in Project Management or related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience in project management.

Recommendations

• Project management experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required

• Results-Oriented:
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
  • The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
  • The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• 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 personal 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 types of social situations.
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption Of Duties

01 July 2026 or As soon as possible

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
• study benefits

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.

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.