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NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME (NSFAS)
 


​The following vacancy exists at NSFAS in Cape Town.
 
PLANNING OFFICER 
Type & Grade Permanent, C2
Vacancy No 46 of 2025/26 
Department & Unit Strategic Enablement
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The main purpose of the job is to ensure that NSFAS Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan, and Operational Plans are formulated, reviewed and submitted to the relevant stakeholders according to the organisations reporting and legislative requirements and frameworks. In addition, the incumbent will provide technical support to the Senior Manager during the facilitation of the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, performance reporting processes in driving the delivery of strategic programmes and projects.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administration
• Provide technical and administrative support to management during the facilitation of the strategic planning and operational planning process.
• Ensure alignment of the strategic planning process with planning frameworks and relevant legislations and policies guiding government planning.
• Provide technical and administrative support to management during the strategic review process in line with stipulated timeframes.
• Evaluate, analyse and compile organisational monthly, quarterly, Annual Performance Reports (incl. supporting portfolio of evidence) and the Annual Reports (incl. supporting portfolio of evidence) to inform the planning process as well as the validity, accuracy and completeness of all information and supporting information (evidence).
• Configure the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plans into the Electronic Quarterly Performance Reporting System (eQPRS).
• Provide administrative support to the planning unit during the drafting and publication of Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and Operational Plan of the entity.
• Analyse internal and external audit findings to improve planning.
• Analyse monitoring and evaluations reports strengthen planning processes.
• Participate in service delivery monitoring.
• Prepare documents and presentations on planning and performance matters.
• Maintain a filing system for the unit to ensure all information is stored in such a way that it can also be used for audit purposes or follow the correct audit trail of evidence path.
• Compile minutes and follow up on important actions and decisions from relevant planning and performance meetings between stakeholders or internally in the performance unit.
• Perform general administrative duties as required in the planning unit.
 
Project Co-ordination
• Assist management during the compilation of strategy documents and reports on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Update and maintain project plans (i.e. Annual report development projects), project schedules and any project related documentation.
• Attend and participate in stakeholder meetings.
• Provide support to business units on the development of the Business Plans / Operational Plans that is aligned to the overall organisational strategic plan and strategy.
• Preparing necessary presentation materials for meetings.
• Undertaking project tasks as required.
• Develop and maintain a planning calendar and manage projects to support planning and reporting activities of the unit.
• Take and maintain records and reports of planning and review meetings.
• Follow up on important actions and decisions from meetings
 
Provide technical and administrative support during the facilitation of the organizational planning and operation planning process.
• Provide technical and administrative support during the facilitation of the NSFAS strategic planning process.
• Ensure that planning and reporting documents are appropriately aligned with the relevant frameworks.
• Conduct research to support strategic planning process.
• Actively involved during the compilation of strategy documents and reports without compromising quality.
• Ensure that approval processes in respect of Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan, and Operational Plans are adhered to; submitted to relevant stakeholders on stipulated time frames.
• Ensure that business processes are in place, including formulation of Standard Operating Procedures for planning and to support key performance indicators.
 
Provide technical support during the strategic review process and compilation of strategic documents and reports
• Provide new research and information on the situational analysis.
• Support the designing of solutions that will improve the organisational effectiveness and efficiencies.
• Provide inputs during the review of the performance information policy.
• Share innovative ideas on planning and performance, service and process design.
 
Provide support to business units on the development of the Business Plans / Operational Plans.
• Analyse Business Plans / Operational Plans of various business units and ensuring alignment with strategic goals of the unit.
• Coordinate and provide guidance on improving the quality of Business Plans /Operational
 
Stakeholder management
• Manage Internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in preparation of documents and presentations.
• Maintain organisational performance relationships with stakeholders.
Administrative support during the drafting and publication of Annual Report
• Contribute to the development of the Annual Report narrative or content.
• Ensure that the Annual Report is produced according to the legislative requirements and guidelines.
• Ensure the submission of the Annual Report and the preparation of the presentation to relevant 8.
 
Actively involved during the internal and external audit and implementation of findings and recommendations. Stakeholders.
• Technical and administrative support to the SM: Planning & Performance in terms of providing performance information to internal and external auditors on stipulated timeframes.
• Support the organisation in improving its performance.
• Follow up with business units and ensure that audit findings are implemented
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
 
Minimum requirements:
• NQF7 level qualification in Design Thinking/Business Administration/Accounting (strategic management accounting)/Internal Audit/Performance Planning and Auditing.
• 3 years’ experience in a strategic planning field.
• 2 years functional experience in Monitoring and Evaluation/Performance Audit/Data Management
 
Preferred:
• NQF 8 in Statistics/ Data science/ Accounting/ Performance Auditing/ Performance Monitoring and Evaluation.
• 5 years’ experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation environment or financial environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Public Service Act and its Regulations, PFMA, Treasury Regulations and Enterprise Risk Management Policy (ERM).
• Knowledge of the Government Planning Frameworks & Reporting Cycle, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Understanding of the education environment.
• Guidelines and Frameworks on Strategic Planning and Management of Performance Information.
 
Skill and Competencies:
• Analytical thinking
• Problem solving skills
• Design thinking
• Data analysis (statistical and research)
• Information Management
• Report writing skills or research
• Planning, leading, organising and monitoring skills and the ability to multitask.
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• Data Analysis
 
 
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS
 
PLEASE NOTE
 
Closing date: 24 December 2025
 
Interested applicants must complete and submit an Employment Application Form available on the NSFAS website. The form must be supported by a detailed Curriculum Vitae which includes amongst other things the vacancy name/position title you are responding to, copies of academic qualifications, Identity Document, and names of three contactable referees.
 
The response must be addressed to the following email address: jobs@nsfas.org.za
 
The NSFAS does not consider late applications. The NSFAS talent acquisition team only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates. Should you not hear from the NSFAS talent acquisition team within 2 months from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Appointments will be made in line with the NSFAS Employment Equity goals and targets.










​The following vacancy exists in the following locations –
 
STUDENT SUPPORT ADMINISTRATOR
Bloemfontein (Free State)| Kimberley (Northern Cape) | Kuruman (Northern Cape) | Klerksdorp (North West)| Mafikeng (North West) |Mossel Bay (Western Cape) | Phalaborwa (Limpopo) | Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal) | Rustenburg (North West) | Tzaneen (Limpopo)
Type & Grade Four (4) months fixed term contract
Vacancy No 41 of 2025/26
Department & Unit Core Business Operations
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:
To provide frontline support to students regarding NSFAS funding applications, statuses, appeals, funding, and payment queries by facilitating accurate application processing, assisting with systems navigation, providing relevant information, and escalating technical or funding issues to appropriate stakeholders
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
NSFAS Applications Support
• Educate students on NSFAS funding criteria, application timelines, and reapplication processes.
• Assist students with creating and managing their My NSFAS Student Profiles.
• Guide and support students in completing online NSFAS applications, including document review and submission accuracy.
 
Online Application Assistance
• Provide hands-on support in institution computer labs to complete online applications.
• Review all application supporting documents with students to ensure completeness and accuracy before submission.
 
Outstanding Documents Management
• Advise students on how to review NSFAS requests for outstanding documents.
• Support students in uploading required documents to their NSFAS applications.
 
Application Status Guidance
• Address student queries on application statuses and next steps, clarifying actions needed by the student, institution, or NSFAS.
• Identify and escalate application system issues to the NSFAS ICT Service Desk; track resolution progress.
 
Appeals Support
• Inform students about the appeals process including deadlines for new and continuing students.
• Assist rejected new student applicants with lodging appeals and uploading appropriate supporting documentation.
• Support continuing students in understanding, preparing, and lodging renewal appeals, including document requirements.
• Escalate any appeals system issues to the ICT Service Desk and ensure follow-up.
 
Funding Support
• Guide students to liaise with institution financial aid offices for allowance application processing.
• Assist students with queries related to funding status, registration issues, allowance types, duplicate registrations, and banking details submission.
• Support TVET students on bank detail entry in the NSFAS portal.
• Facilitate funding cancellation requests and resolve related documentation needs.
• Escalate unresolved funding issues to college financial aid officials and NSFAS Institutional
Support Practitioners and follow through to resolution.
 
Payments Support
• Extract and interpret payment reports to respond to students’ queries about tuition and allowance payments.
• Escalate unresolved payment concerns to appropriate financial aid or NSFAS staff and ensure ongoing follow-up.
 
Query Management
• Conduct basic investigations of student queries and provide timely feedback.
• Escalate complex issues to NSFAS ICT Service Desk, Institutional Support Practitioners, or
Accommodation Officials, tracking until resolution.
 
Reporting
• Maintain weekly capturing of daily support activities.
• Keep a detailed register of student queries and feedback.
• Report institutional challenges, including student unrest or operational issues, to Institutional Support Practitioner
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum requirements:
• NQF Level 5 in Commercial / Business Management Studies; Public Administration
• 2 Minimum years relevant customer service / relationship management work experience
• Computer literacy – Intermediate MS Package Suite.
 
Skill and Competencies:
• Strong understanding of NSFAS applications and funding processes
• Proficiency in assisting students with online systems and digital document management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for student engagement
• Ability to troubleshoot and escalate technical system issues effectively
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and reporting capabilities
• Capacity to manage multiple queries and follow-ups consistently
• Collaborative approach to working with institutional financial aid and NSFAS teams
 
 
PLEASE NOTE
 
Closing date: 15 December 2025
 
Interested applicants must complete and submit an Employment Application Form available on the NSFAS website. The form must be supported by a detailed Curriculum Vitae which includes amongst other things the vacancy name/position title you are responding to, copies of academic qualifications, Identity Document, and names of three contactable referees. 
 
The response must be addressed to the following email address: jobs@nsfas.org.za
 
Indicate in your subject line which area will be suitable for you: Bloemfontein (Free State)| Kimberley (Northern Cape) | Kuruman (Northern Cape) | Klerksdorp (North West)| Mafikeng (Northwest) |Mossel Bay (Western Cape) | Phalaborwa (Limpopo) | Pinetown (KwaZulu-Natal) | Rustenburg (North West) | Tzaneen (Limpopo).
 
The NSFAS does not consider late applications. The NSFAS talent acquisition team only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates. Should you not hear from the NSFAS talent acquisition team within 2 months from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Appointments will be made in line with the NSFAS Employment Equity goals and targets.