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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
SENIOR DIRECTOR: DIRSIP (POST LEVEL 4) (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: FIVE YEARS WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF REAPPOINTMENT) (JOB ID: 6556)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs -> Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP)
Contract Type Occupational Level
Senior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 14/8/2026
Description
The University of the Free State invites applications from visionary, innovative and strategic leaders for the position of Senior Director: Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP). Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs, the Senior Director provides strategic leadership for institutional planning, strategy implementation, institutional research, business intelligence, statutory reporting, project portfolio management and enrolment planning.
The incumbent will play a pivotal role in supporting evidence-based decision-making, organisational effectiveness and the successful implementation of the University's Vision 130 and strategic priorities. As a member of the University's senior leadership community, the successful candidate will lead the University's institutional planning and performance management functions while ensuring that strategic information supports sound governance and executive decision-making.
Duties and responsibilities
Strategic Plan Tracking
• Coordinate the implementation of Vision 130, the Strategic Plan, and the Annual Performance Plan.
• Steer strategy, institutional research and operational projects.
• Monitor the Key Performance Indicators across all portfolios, faculties and divisions.
Executive Decision Support
• Produce the University of the Free State’s annual report to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), mid-term review report, and student enrolment plan, which are aligned with the academic risk register.
• Steer the UFS to a forward-looking strategic institution by leading business intelligence information needs, translating complex institutional data into high-level briefings, providing predictive analytics, trend mapping, and data modelling
• Facilitate HEMIS data submissions.
Global Benchmarking
• Utilise institutional data for global positioning, supporting the university’s internationalisation mandate and rankings.
• Manage data to be submitted to global rankings bodies.
Institutional Effectiveness and Optimisation
• Lead institutional initiatives that identify operational bottlenecks and resource allocation efficiencies to drive overall institutional effectiveness.
• Lead the Institutional Project Management Office.
• Develop and maintain institutional project governance frameworks.
• Coordinate, monitor and evaluate strategic institutional projects funded through the University's strategic initiatives.
• Monitor institutional project performance, risks and benefits realisation.
• Provide executive reports on strategic project implementation.
Institutional Strategy and Planning
• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the University's Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and institutional performance framework.
• Coordinate institutional planning processes and monitor progress against strategic objectives.
• Provide strategic advice to Executive Management on institutional performance, organisational effectiveness and strategic initiatives.
• Lead institutional change management initiatives supporting strategic transformation.
Institutional Research and Business Intelligence
• Direct institutional research and policy analysis to support executive decision-making.
• Develop and maintain an integrated institutional management information and business intelligence environment.
• Produce executive dashboards, strategic reports and institutional analyses that inform planning, policy development and performance improvement.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making throughout the University.
Institutional Data Governance and Statutory Reporting
• Provide strategic leadership for institutional data governance and data quality management.
• Oversee HEMIS submissions and all statutory reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training and other regulatory authorities.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, audit and quality assurance requirements.
• Develop institutional data policies, standards and governance frameworks.
Enrolment Planning and Performance Monitoring
• Lead institutional enrolment planning and student performance analysis.
• Develop forecasting models and strategic enrolment scenarios.
• Monitor institutional performance indicators and benchmarking against national and international best practice.
• Produce the University's Annual Report, Mid-term Review Report and other strategic institutional reports.
Stakeholder Engagement
• Develop strategic partnerships with government departments, regulatory authorities, professional bodies, universities and national higher education structures.
• Represent the University on institutional and national committees relating to planning, institutional research and higher education policy.
• Manage data to be submitted to global rankings bodies
Leadership and Directorate Management
• Provide strategic leadership to the Directorate.
• Translate institutional strategy into operational plans and measurable performance outcomes.
• Lead organisational development, succession planning, talent management and staff development.
• Manage the Directorate's human, financial and physical resources in accordance with University policies.
Inherent Job Requirements
• A relevant Doctoral qualification on NQF Level 10 in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years' experience within the higher education sector.
• At least five (5) years in a senior strategic leadership role.
• Experience in institutional strategy development and implementation.
• Experience in institutional research and higher education policy analysis.
• Experience in business intelligence and management information systems.
• Experience in data governance, HEMIS and statutory reporting.
• Experience in institutional project portfolio management.
• Executive stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership experience.
Recommendations
• A postgraduate qualification in Higher Education Management, Strategy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or a related field.
• Knowledge of South African higher education policy, funding and quality assurance frameworks.
• Experience in digital transformation, data analytics and institutional performance management.
• Experience leading complex organisational change initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of business intelligence platforms and data visualisation.
Competencies
Term of Appointment
The Senior Director will be appointed on a five-year fixed-term performance-based contract in accordance with the University's policies and procedures and may be eligible for reappointment subject to institutional requirements and performance.
Assumption of duties: 01 October 2026
Closing date: 11 August 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request and will be commensurate with the responsibilities attached to the position.
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.
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. 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 here:
• 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).
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9329 or email VermaakM@ufs.ac.za / 051 401 9848 or email TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za.
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.
Additional Information
SENIOR LECTURER (DEPARTMENT CENTRE FOR GENDER AND AFRICA STUDIES) (JOB ID:6553)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Humanities -> Centre for Gender and Africa Studies
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location QwaQwa Campus - QwaQwa, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 12/8/2026
Description
This position was previously advertised as Job ID 6426. All applications who previously applied need not reapply.
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:
• Design, coordinate, and deliver undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Community Development and Gender and Africa Studies.
• Supervise and oversee particularly and experiential pedagogies (WIL) in the program.
• Supervise Honours, Masters, and Doctoral students.
• Participate in assessment moderation and academic administration.
• Maintain an active and productive research profile.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives for AGAS.
• Participate in both Faculty and CGAS governance structures and committees.
• Mentor junior academics and postgraduate students.
• Serve as module and program coordinator where required.
Inherent requirements:
• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Community Development, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology or related discipline.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Experience supervising and graduating master’s-degree students.
• Demonstrate university-level teaching experience in Community Development Practice or Work Integrated Learning and Community Development Theory or cognate disciplines.
Recommendations:
• NRF rating or eligibility for rating.
• Evidence of a minimum of (Seven) 7 peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience supervising and graduating PHD students.
• Track record of external research funding.
• Experience in participatory and mixed research methodologies.
• Policy advisory experience.
• Established community partnerships and participation in professional or academic communities
• Demonstrated curriculum transformation leadership.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• 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 deal with several activities at a time.
- 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.
• 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 negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties: 01 November 2026
Closing date: 12 August 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 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 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.
Additional Information
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: WILDLIFE SCIENCE, WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (1-YEAR CONTRACT, RENEWABLE UP TO 3 YEARS) (JOB ID: 6552)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Animal Science
Contract Type Occupational Level
Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 21/8/2026
Description
The Department of Animal Science at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology.
Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Rangeland Ecology, Wildlife Monitoring and Sustainable Natural Resource Management are encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will join an active multidisciplinary research programme focused on understanding the ecological, biological, nutritional and conservation factors regulating African wildlife populations, with particular emphasis on large herbivores, habitat utilisation, wildlife monitoring, sustainable rangeland management and evidence-based conservation planning.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for a talented doctoral graduate to gain advanced research, teaching and postgraduate supervision experience under the mentorship of established researchers while contributing to internationally recognised research programmes.
The fellowship will be awarded on a competitive basis, considering applicants' academic achievements, publication record, teaching experience, supervisory experience and research potential. The fellowship is available for a period of one year and is renewable annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and the submission of annual progress reports.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct innovative research in wildlife science, wildlife management and conservation biology.
• Contribute to research on wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, sustainable rangeland management, conservation planning and large herbivore ecology.
• Utilise modern technologies including GPS telemetry, GIS, remote sensing, drones and artificial intelligence within wildlife research programmes.
• Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed scientific papers per year.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Assist with undergraduate teaching and practical training in Wildlife Science and Wildlife Management.
• Assist with the supervision and mentoring of Honours, MSc and PhD students.
• Contribute to curriculum enhancement and module development.
• Assist with grant applications and research project development.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Free State and participate in relevant activities of the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies.
Competencies
Eligibility criteria
• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Hold a PhD degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Rangeland Science, Animal Science or a closely related discipline.
• Have obtained their doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Demonstrate a publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Have experience in wildlife research and field-based ecological studies
• Demonstrate experience in undergraduate teaching and practical training.
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum development and postgraduate supervision.
• Possess excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Hold a valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period.
• Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Bloemfontein and participate fully in departmental research, teaching and postgraduate activities.
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 21 August 2026 to Prof Francois Deacon at deaconf@ufs.ac.za. Late applications will not be considered.
• Motivation letter detailing research experience, teaching experience, publication record and suitability for the fellowship.
• Full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications, conference presentations and other scholarly outputs.
• Full academic transcripts and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document or passport.
• Contact details of three academic referees.
Value of the fellowship:
• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.
Closing date: 21 August 2026
Commencement of fellowship: 01 January 2027
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 : 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.
How to apply to this job
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 21 August 2026 to Prof Francois Deacon at deaconf@ufs.ac.za. Late applications will not be considered.
Additional Information
SENIOR ASSISTANT OFFICER: SHELVER/CIRCULATIONS (POST LEVEL 12): LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (JOB ID 6545)
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Library and Information Services
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Semi-Skilled
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 31/7/2026
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.
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:
Collection maintenance
• Shelve library materials daily according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system ,
• Perform administrative duties during stocktaking projects and processes to determine status of collections as per the Catalogue.
• Perform administrative duties during the weeding of redundant collections to ensure up-to-date collections.
• Empty book drops (Chutes) located in the UFS Libraries.
• Review materials for damage and routing to Metadata subdivision for repair.
• Sort material into general call number categories in stacks-office area.
• Pick up left over material on all tables on all floors and levels.
• Conduct regular shelf-reading activities to verify material on the shelves and check call number accuracy and straighten shelves.
• Record shelving errors.
• Observe new acquisitions to accurately record collection growth.
• Assist users by locating physical items, helping them acquire books in process.
• Support and provide backup for other shelvers as needed.
• Train new student assistants on shelving.
• Compile statistics on the number of books shelved per day, week and month.
• Coordinate movement of all materials transferred from the shelves to the storage.
• Conduct regular inspections of shelving areas to make sure that the collection is easily accessible and in good condition.
Circulation
• Execute all circulation functions (issuing, returns, renewals, reservations, and fines management) accurately and efficiently using Alma Learning Management System (LMS).
• Inspect, monitor and perform routine checks on library equipment, such as printers, copiers, and self-checkout machines.
• Reporr any maintenance issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Scan and upload digital copies of library materials to the library's digital repository for ease of access to the end users.
• Process, organise and maintain the short-term loan collection by processing and organising reserve materials.
• Participate in library orientation sessions by demonstrating procedures, services and resources.
• Prepare new materials for circulation by adding barcodes, RFID tags, labels, date slips and protective covers.
• Gather user feedback and recommend areas for service improvement and implement changes accordingly.
• Collaborate with faculty librarians by assisting with the processing and digitisation of approved electronic course reserve materials.
• Train users on the self-check machine, library app and the return chute.
Customer Service
• Provide professional frontline customer service by assisting library users with general enquiries, navigation of the self-checkout machines and other self-service technologies.
• Assist users to locate information resources on the shelves.
• Respond toroutine enquiries regarding overdue notices, fines, and account status updates.
• Monitor the performance of the self-checkout system and report any faults to the LIS ICT.
• Support the implementation of library campaigns, outreach programmes, and special projects as directed.
• Promote a welcoming, organised and user-centred library environment.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF Level 4 (attach a copy).
• Minimum of one (1) year’s relevant working experience in a library or information services environment.
Recommendations:
• A qualification in Library and Information Services (attach a copy).
• Experience using a Library Management System (LMS) (e.g. Alma, Sierra, Koha, Symphony).
• Experience in shelving and organising materials using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) System.
• Ability to read, write, and understand instructions in English.
• Basic numeracy skills (for numbering and sorting systems).
• Ability to alphabetise and sort numerically.
• Relevant experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to stick with tasks , not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues 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 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 sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible
Closing date: 31 July 2026
Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 403 692.54 – R 506 869.63 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.
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 ONLY; please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 2876 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.
