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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
SENIOR ASSISTANT OFFICER (POST LEVEL 12) (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 1 YEAR) (JOB ID: 6540)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Sustainable Food Systems and Development
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Semi-Skilled
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 27/7/2026
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:
• Provide comprehensive administrative, financial, academic, and operational support to the ARC/DRD/DOA Chair, ensuring the efficient functioning of the office and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Coordinate office operations, stakeholder engagement, meetings, events, travel arrangements, communication, and administrative support for staff, students, and external partners.
• Provide academic and financial administration, including support with bursaries, procurement, budgeting, financial reporting, expenditure tracking, grant administration, and compliance with financial controls.
• Coordinate human resource administration, contract processes, records management, asset and facilities administration, and departmental logistics.
• Support governance, audit, reporting, and compliance activities by maintaining accurate records and ensuring adherence to institutional policies and administrative requirements.
• Perform ad hoc administrative and operational duties in support of the Chair and departmental activities.
Inherent requirements:
• A bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7, or a three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6 in Office/Business Management, Administration, Financial Management or a related field.
• Minimum of one (1)year’s relevant working experience in office administration, financial administration or operational support.
Recommendations:
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience within the higher-education environment.
• Knowledge of the UFS systems (Peoplesoft, the general ledger, policies and procedures)
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- 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 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 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: As soon as possible.
Closing date: 27 July 2026
Salary: The basic salary is from R257 274.00 – R330 903.00 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.zaor Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 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
Senior Assistant Officer (post level 12) (Contract appointment: 1 year) (Job ID: 6540)
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (POST LEVEL 11)(CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 3 YEARS) (JOB ID 6538)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Vice- Chancellor and Principal -> Advancement -> Department of Communication and Marketing
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Semi-Skilled
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 27/7/2026
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:
• Develop, write, edit, and curate high-quality communication content for institutional communication platforms, translating complex academic, research, and institutional information into engaging, audience-focused content that aligns with the University's editorial, brand, and communication standards.
• Identify, source, coordinate, and adapt institutional stories and content by collaborating with faculties, departments, centres, institutes, and support divisions to support Content Hub initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and publication across institutional communication channels.
• Develop and support integrated communication campaigns by creating campaign messaging and written communication materials, coordinating content production with internal and external stakeholders, and contributing to the amplification and evaluation of campaign content in support of institutional priorities.
Inherent requirements:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 7 in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication, Corporate Communication, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or a related field..
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in corporate communications, media, journalism, public relations or content development.
Recommendations:
• Experience in higher education communication, journalism, media, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience developing content for institutional communication platforms.
• Experience supporting communication campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Understanding of Content Hub or editorial content models.
• Experience using content management systems and digital publishing platforms.
• Experience in photography, videography, or multimedia storytelling.
• Valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
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 focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- 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 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 be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible.
Closing date: 27 July 2026
Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R464 881.91 – R585 070.51 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, 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.
Additional Information
Communications Officer (Job ID: 6538)
COORDINATOR: INTERNAL COMMUNICATION CONTENT AND PLATFORM MANAGEMENT (POST LEVEL 11) (JOB ID: 6539)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Vice- Chancellor and Principal -> Advancement -> Department of Communication and Marketing
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Semi-Skilled
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 27/7/2026
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:
• Coordinate the planning, development, publication, distribution, and optimisation of internal communication across institutional platforms, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Support institutional communication campaigns, projects, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and organisational communication by collaborating with faculties, support divisions, campuses, and DCM to deliver integrated communication.
• Coordinate the operational activities of the Internal Communication Unit, including communication workflows, publication schedules, content approvals, administrative processes, and compliance with communication standards.
• Monitor communication performance, analyse audience engagement, prepare communication reports and dashboards, and provide insights to support communication planning and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate the development of creative and multimedia content, including digital storytelling, photography, videography, graphic design, and campaign content to enhance audience engagement.
• Support the University's Content Hub through content planning, workflow coordination, institutional storytelling, content amplification, and the repurposing of content across communication platforms.
• Perform ad hoc communication and administrative duties, provide operational support to the Assistant Director: Internal Communications, and participate in crisis communication activities when required.
Inherent requirements:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 7 in Corporate Communication, Communication Science, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, Marketing Communication, Strategic Communication, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in internal communication, corporate communication or a related communication environment.
Recommendations:
• Experience in higher education communication, marketing, or stakeholder engagement environments.
• Experience in content management, editorial planning, or communication coordination.
• Experience in communication analytics, reporting, and audience measurement.
• Experience in photography, multimedia content creation, or visual storytelling.
• Experience using design, photo-editing, or multimedia software.
• Understanding of institutional storytelling and Content Hub models.
• Valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
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 focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• 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 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: 27 July 2026
Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R464 881.91 – R585 070.51 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, please feel free to contact 051 401 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.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.
Additional Information
Coordinator: Internal Communication Content and Platform Management (post level 11) (Job ID: 6539)
FACULTY MANAGER (POST LEVEL 6) (JOB ID: 6541)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Health Sciences -> Office of the Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Middle Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 3/8/2026
Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Faculty Manager in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Reporting to the Dean, the Faculty Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and professional management of the Faculty’s administrative, operational, financial, governance and academic support functions. The incumbent will ensure the effective delivery of professional support services, enabling the Faculty to achieve its academic, research and community engagement objectives while ensuring compliance with University policies, statutory requirements and professional accreditation standards.
As a member of the Faculty Executive Management Team, the Faculty Manager contributes to strategic planning, institutional transformation, operational excellence and continuous improvement across the Faculty.
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:
• Provide strategic leadership and operational management of the Faculty's administrative and professional support services in support of the Faculty's Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Manage the Faculty's financial planning, budgeting, expenditure monitoring, resource allocation and management reporting to ensure financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of University resources.
• Lead faculty governance processes, including committee administration, policy implementation, compliance, quality assurance, risk management, regulatory reporting and institutional planning.
• Manage, develop and support the Faculty's professional services staff through effective performance management, recruitment support, succession planning, talent development and organisational development initiatives, while promoting transformation and Employment Equity objectives.
• Direct the Faculty's academic administration across the student lifecycle, including admissions, registration, academic records, examinations, graduations, enrolment planning and related academic processes.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with academic departments, central support divisions, students, professional councils, statutory bodies and other internal and external stakeholders to support the Faculty's strategic objectives.
• Ensure operational excellence through the effective management of administrative systems, facilities, infrastructure, business continuity, continuous process improvement and institutional reporting.
Inherent requirements:
• An Honours degree or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 8 in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Management, Management, Commerce or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in academic administration at a senior level within a higher education environment.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in managing and leading professional or administrative teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Higher Education Act, higher education governance structures, quality assurance frameworks and relevant legislation.
• Experience in servicing executive-level committees and managing governance processes.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, operational management and financial management.
Recommendations:
• A relevant Master's degree on NQF Level 9.
• Experience within a Faculty of Health Sciences or a comparable complex academic environment.
• Knowledge of professional accreditation and regulatory requirements applicable to Health Sciences programmes.
• Experience in organisational change management, digital transformation and business process improvement.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results oriented.
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking.
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to lead change and manage multiple strategic priorities simultaneously.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using all programmes of MS Office.
- Strategic leadership and sound business acumen.
- Excellent organisational, planning and financial management skills.
- Strong analytical, report writing and presentation skills.
• 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.
- Strong people leadership, coaching and talent development capabilities.
• Building coalitions
- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible.
Closing date: 3 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 2979/ 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
