NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME (NSFAS) VACANCIES

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The following vacancy exists at NSFAS in Cape Town.
 
POLICY AND RESEARCH 
Type & Grade: Market Related
(Permanent)
Vacancy No: 14 of 2022/23
Department & Unit: Office of the Chief Executive Officer
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The purpose of the job is to support the Executives and Senior Management by tracking, analysing and synthesizing corporate/government policy developments (both local and global) and sector-specific insights and research that will potentially be a vital tool for strategic interventions, future funding opportunities and longer-term policy decisions around financial aid.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Contribute to Strategic Development for the Department
• Provide input into the strategy for the department/section.
• Develop and maintain relevant policies & procedures.
• Prepare and implement the annual policy and research strategy to support the overall strategic aims and objectives.
• Facilitate the development of the policy and research strategy, annual plans and policies.
• Conduct a review of policy and research strategy, annual plans and policies.
• Oversee the implementation of the service unit plans.
• Develop and lead a coherent and coordinated policy and research programme that supports NSFAS to grow its influence and visibility.
• Develop, deliver and review NSFAS national campaigns as appropriate working closely with.
• Ensure the correct approval processes are followed and implemented by working with the CEO and the Board
 
Conduct Unit Administration
• Once approval is received, conduct relevant project research.
• Conceptualize projects and gather relevant data for project research.
• Analyse the research data.
• Prepare research reports on data analysed.
• Send report for approval and present at Manco / Board Committees for approval.
• Ensure research knowledge is accessible to the unit once approved.
 
Provide Support to Executives and Business Units
• Develop presentations that support organisational wide business units.
• Provide assistance and interpretation of available organisational data towards business unit reports.
 
Manage Unit Budget
• Compile and deliver the annual policy and research budget and business plan activities and KPIs, reporting monthly variances and forecasts to Finance and taking appropriate remedial action.
• Develop budget for own areas of responsibility.
• Monitor compliance with approved and take corrective action where necessary.
 
Manage Internal and External Stakeholder Relationships
• Engage with key stakeholders to understand the impact of plans and deliverables and ensure optimal service delivery.
• Effectively collaborate on joint initiatives / programmes of organisational importance.
• Ensure timely submission of reports and trend analysis to advise and guide stakeholders.
 
Research Conceptualization, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Report Writing and Scholarly Publishing
• Critically evaluate relevant literature; research proposal development; data collection and data management.
 
Ensure Compliance, Monitoring, Evaluation and Sound Reporting
• Use of standard reporting templates and tools and make recommendations for improvements over time.
• Monitor compliance of section and direct reports with compliance needs of the APP service unit plans.
• Submit performance and compliance reports timeously and to required standards
• Monitor compliance with policy and research deliverables / KPIs.
• Identify trends and issues in the service unit and take corrective action if required.
• Review unit processes and report on results.
 
Leading High-Performance Teams
• Ensure that annual workforce plans have been developed.
• Assign work in accordance with plans to staff members.
• Set, control and report on key performance areas and performance contracts.
• Coach, mentor and train the team and develop reports for performance improvement, career progression and recognition purposes.
• Maintain compliance, consistency and take corrective action when needed.
• Participate in HR and organisational recruitment processes.
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum requirements:
• NQF level 9
• 10 years’ experience in public policy and research environment
• Knowledge of Higher Education, TVET Colleges, government strategic priorities in respect to the post school education and training environment; the NSFAS Act and PFMA
• At least 5 years’ specialist research or research project leadership experience
• Evidence of advanced writing skills – either in peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications, a minimum of 10 required (including research papers in journals, papers presented at conferences, chapters in published books, books)
• Experience in research on funding of post graduate students
 
Preferred:
• NQF level 10
• 2-5 years working experience on funding of post graduate students
• Academically and conceptually strong report-writing skills, evidenced through publication history
• Ability to operate in pressured environment with creativity, initiative, accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to prioritise competing tasks and deliverables
• Demonstrate a collaborative ability and willingness to accept guidance from team members
• Ability to present complex information and adapt analysis to specified formats within deadlines
• Strong leadership that exhibits an internal locus of control
• Able to work independently, as well as within a team
• Able to work under pressure and display initiative
• Able to engage at executive and strategic levels with executives
 
Skill and Competencies:
• Communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Decision-making skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Negotiation skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Organisational skills
• Planning skills
• Deadline driven
• Resource management
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Customer orientation
 
Computer skills required:
• MS Word – Intermediate
• MS Excel – Intermediate
• MS Power Point – Intermediate
• MS Outlook – Intermediate
• Quantitative/ Qualitative data analysis tools – Intermediate
 
 
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS
Remuneration Package: NSFAS offer a Competitive Remuneration Package.
Total Cost to Company per annum inclusive of all benefits and company contributions.
 
 
PLEASE NOTE
 
Closing date: 17 February 2023
 
Interested applicants Interested applicants must complete an Employment Application Form available on the NSFAS website together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic qualifications, and names of three contactable referees to Ms. Fayroes Sherry via email jobs@nsfas.org.za.
NSFAS does not consider late applications. Staff on Leave must ensure that they check the NSFAS portals for advertised vacancies and familiarize themselves with the respective closing dates. NSFAS only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates.
 
If you do not hear from NSFAS within 2 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
Please note the following contact details are for enquiries about JOB CONTENT ONLY and NOT for application purposes.
 
Enquiries: Email: fayroess@nsfas.org.za
 
** NSFAS committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates who improve employment equity considerations **
 
“NSFAS is committed to providing equal opportunities and practicing affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender, disability) in the organisation through filling of this position and candidates whose appointment will promote representivity will receive preference. “
 
 
 

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The following vacancy exists at NSFAS in Cape Town.
 
MANAGER: PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE
Type & Grade: Market Related
(Permanent)
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:
To support the executive team with the development of strategic and operational planning, monitoring and evaluation process and performance against predetermined key measurable objectives and standards in line with relevant legislation and prescripts to the achievement of the student-centric model.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Policy, Systems & Procedure Development
• Participate in the development and alignment of the organisational policy(ies), guidelines, and procedures across multiple disciplines to planning and performance strategic objectives
 
Core Strategic Objectives Development
• Participate in the development and reviews of the NSFAS strategic planning processes, and performance management framework aligned to strategic goals
• Participate in the development of Annual Performance Plans (APP), measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Quarterly Performance Reports of the organisation
• Participate in the APPs and KPIs approval process and their tabling before the NSFAS management and governance structures up to the Parliamentary Committee
• Develop and implement robust monthly and quarterly measurement and review systems of NSFAS performance
• Establish action plans that enable the implementation of set targets by various NSFAS internal stakeholders
• Support the senior management team with annual reviews of strategic, annual performance and operational plans
• Conduct research on best planning and performance approaches and recommend favourable findings for the implementation
• Guide, manage, and maintain the impact assessment agenda and implement the monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systems to support strategic programmes of the organisation
• Collaborate with the human resources department to ensure the mission, vision, strategic objectives and values of the organisations are entrenched in the organisation
• Develop implementable work plans for the planning and performance unit
Performance Management and Ethics
• Timeous commitment to performance contracting and review process of the unit and self
• Abide by the NSFAS Code of Conduct
 
People Management & Ethical Leadership
• Manage and/or delegate participation in the recruitment and selection of unit vacancies in line with EE targets
• Lead and manage the unit team to achieve the set and agreed programmes
• Direct, inspire, coach and mentor subordinates to deliver quality programmes in line with NSFAS Values
• Lead and manage the individual performance contracting and review process for subunits
• Lead and manage all disciplinary matters of subunits related to performance and conduct issues
 
Stakeholder Management & Relationships
• Participate in the preparation of strategic reporting and presentation to the Board, National Treasury, DHET and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluations
• Facilitate the organisational planning and performance reporting with the internal and external stakeholders
 
Project Management & Leadership
• Manage and supervise the projects to address identified needs
• Analyse and interpret project reports on completion of the project to evaluate return on investment and to inform decision-making in the unit
 
Budget optimisation
• Participate in budget Forecasts for administrative activities and projects
• Participate in budget Expenditure review in line with core activities and projects
 
Risk, Compliance Monitoring & Evaluation
• Develop the compliance reporting calendar for internal stakeholders
• Lead and manage the plans and processes that support the implementation of identified key controls and established risk mitigation procedures
• Analyse and improve the audit, risk and compliance outlook in the planning and performance
• Assess organisational performance against set targets and advise on remedial actions
 
Information & Knowledge Management
• Collaborate with stakeholders to build systems that enable the management of data obtained from different sources
• Collaborate with stakeholders to use their experience, education and understanding to obtain knowledge from this information
 
Reporting & Accountability
• Report on strategic KPIs progress
• Report on the unit operational plan progress
• Report on quarterly and annual performance in line with the EQPRS system and treasury guidelines and instructions
• Report on internal and external audits and risk
• Coordinate the submission of external and external auditors’ performance requests
• Facilitate the departmental implementation of audit findings in line with the audit report
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum requirements:
• NQF Level 7 in Business Administration, Public Policy, Audit or related fields
• Computer literacy – Intermediate MS Package Suite
• Driver’s License
• Knowledge and understanding of the Public Service, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and Government Planning Processes & Cycle.
• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines/Frameworks on Strategic Planning, Management of Performance Information and MPAT.
• Knowledge of the Parliamentary processes and timelines related to the strategic planning cycle and Auditor
 
General compliance and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of performance management reporting, Key Performance Indicators and Balanced Scorecard.
• Knowledge of strategic planning processes, execution and monitoring
• 10 Years’ plus experience in the strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation environment, performance management or audit of these fields, of which 5 years should be at a management level
• Solid project management Skills
• Solid knowledge of the higher education sector
Preferred:
• NQF Level 8 in Business Administration, Public Policy, Audit or related fields
• Computer literacy – Advanced MS Package Suite
• Driver’s License
 
Skill and Competencies:
• Strategic and visionary
• Project Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Data Analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Goal orientation skills
• Influential and advocacy
• Systems and IT flair
• Problem Solving
• Report writing
• Innovative
• Analytical
• Interpersonal
• Negotiation
• Conflict management
 
 
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS
Remuneration Package: NSFAS offer a Competitive Remuneration Package.
Total Cost to Company per annum inclusive of all benefits and company contributions.
 
PLEASE NOTE
 
Closing date: 17 February 2023
 
Interested applicants must complete an Employment Application Form available on the NSFAS website together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic qualifications, and names of three contactable referees to Ms. Fayroes Sherry via email jobs@nsfas.org.za. NSFAS does not consider late applications. Staff on Leave must ensure that they check the NSFAS portals for advertised vacancies and familiarize themselves with the respective closing dates. NSFAS only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates.
 
If you do not hear from NSFAS within 2 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
Please note the following contact details are for enquiries about JOB CONTENT ONLY and NOT for application purposes.
 
Enquiries: Email: fayroess@nsfas.org.za
 
** NSFAS committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates who improve employment equity considerations **
 
“NSFAS is committed to providing equal opportunities and practicing affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender, disability) in the organisation through filling of this position and candidates whose appointment will promote representivity will receive preference. “

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The following vacancy exists at NSFAS in Cape Town.
 
NSFAS BOARD COMMITTEE
Secretariat (Permanent)
Type & Grade: Market Related
Vacancy No 16 of 2022/23 
Department & Unit: Office of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board
 
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The primary purpose of the position is to provide the full range of secretariat, governance, and compliance support to ensure the effective functioning of the Management Committee (Mancom) and various Board Subcommittees in accordance with legislative requirements and corporate governance best practices. The successful incumbent will be responsible for monitoring compliance by adhering to applicable laws and regulations, committee decisions and resolutions. Co-ordinating procedural requirements associated with the provision of a Committee Secretariat service through the planning of schedules for meetings and allocations, monitoring the delivery of quality reports and accurately recorded minutes of proceedings and communicating across a broad spectrum, to disseminate information and/or guidance on policy and procedural compliance issues concerning discussions and decision-making.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Secretariat Operations
• Organise and prepare agendas and papers for relevant committees, as assigned
• Prepare and collate Committee Packs
• Manage the scheduling of all meetings
• Together with the Chair of that committee, organise the committee’s annual plan in terms of its mandate, and actively manage this plan to ensure compliance with the committee’s terms of reference and legislation.
• Take accurate minutes and distribute within agreed timelines, draft accurate resolutions for signature, maintain signed resolutions and minutes, and maintain an auditable filing system
• Draft accurate and complete follow-up actions arising from meetings
• Communicate matters arising and action items to action owners and follow up on actions within agreed timelines
• Maintain statutory records, including registers of members, directors, and secretaries, as appropriate
• Monitor cycle times, triggering renewed committee and board memberships, where appropriate
• Deal with relevant correspondence and collate information and distribute information as directed accurately and within agreed timelines.
• Monitor changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and take appropriate action
• Execute any other duties as may be determined from time to time
Governance and Compliance
• Remain abreast with technical professional development matters
• Remain abreast with organizational changes
• Need to make sure that the policies are reviewed and approved by the Board Sub-committee when required
• Need to maintain a governance register
Stakeholder Management
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders both internal and external to achieve outcomes
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum requirements:
▪ B Com Law or LLB
▪ Professional or Advanced qualification through Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa or working towards achieving CGISA(CSSA) qualification or equivalent or with extensive experience as a Company or Committee Secretariat.
▪ Minimum of 5 years’ experience in company secretarial, governance, legal or regulatory environment
▪ Previous demonstrated experience of having worked at the Board and Executive level
▪ Experience in the field of corporate governance with a strong understanding of Secretariat processes & governance in both the public and private sectors
▪ Overall knowledge of primary legislation applicable. Companies Act, King IV & associated statutes & regulatory framework
 
Beneficial skills and experience:
▪ Overall knowledge of primary legislation applicable, such as the PFMA, Companies Act, King IV & associated statutes and regulatory frameworks
▪ Chartered Institute of Secretaries (CIS) membership / Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
 
Core Competencies:
▪ Operate with high levels of accuracy and diligence
▪ Be proactive and take initiative
▪ Deadline driven
▪ Excellent Stakeholder Relationship Management
▪ Excellent Planning and Organising Skills
▪ Retains confidentiality of all meetings and discussions
▪ Sound filing system that is easily audited
▪ Excellent command of and fluency in the English language, both written & verbal; and
▪ Strong drafting (the ability to take meeting minutes) and administrative skills with attention to detail.
▪ Ability to handle multiple committees
▪ Ability to work under pressure
Computer skills required:
▪ MS Word – Intermediate to Advanced
▪ MS Excel – Intermediate
▪ MS PowerPoint –Intermediate to Advanced
▪ MS Outlook – Intermediate
 
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS
Remuneration Package: NSFAS offer a Competitive Remuneration Package.
Total Cost to Company per annum inclusive of all benefits and company contributions.
 
PLEASE NOTE
 
Closing date: 17 February 2023
 
Interested applicants Interested applicants must complete an Employment Application Form available on the NSFAS website together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic qualifications, and names of three contactable referees to Ms. Fayroes Sherry via email jobs@nsfas.org.za.
 
NSFAS does not consider late applications. Staff on Leave must ensure that they check the NSFAS portals for advertised vacancies and familiarize themselves with the respective closing dates. NSFAS only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates.
 
If you do not hear from NSFAS within 2 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
Please note the following contact details are for enquiries about JOB CONTENT ONLY and NOT for application purposes.
 
Enquiries: Email: fayroess@nsfas.org.za
 
** NSFAS committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates who improve employment equity considerations **
 
“NSFAS is committed to providing equal opportunities and practicing affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote representivity (race, gender, disability) in the organisation through filling of this position and candidates whose appointment will promote representivity will receive preference. “