​UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (UP) VACANCIES

​ 
 
SENIOR MANAGER: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
 
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Job ID 26186
Location Institutional Planning
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
 
UP Professional and Support
DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION
SENIOR MANAGER: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 5
 
 
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
 
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Manager: Business Intelligence (BI) leads the strategic design, development, and governance of the University’s business intelligence, HEMIS, and subsidy data ecosystems. The incumbent ensures that UP’s BI and reporting systems are accurate, policy-compliant, and strategically aligned with national frameworks such as the DHET, CHE, NQF, NQSF, HEQSF, and POPIA.
 
Key responsibilities include: 

• Overseeing the development of enterprise-level BI systems aligned with DHET, CHE, and NQSF data governance and reporting standards;
• Directing and mentoring a team of BI and data specialists in designing, maintaining, and optimising systems that support institutional analytics and HEMIS compliance;
• Overseeing the design, population, and validation of HEMIS databases and related data submissions to DHET;
• Managing the configuration and maintenance of VALPAC software, ensuring accurate subsidy simulations, audit traceability, and compliance with DHET circulars;
• Leading the development and maintenance of BI infrastructure, data pipelines, and integration systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, SQL Server, Power BI, Tableau, Azure, or Google Cloud);
• Leading the University’s BI strategy as part of the Digital Transformation Strategy, ensuring integration of data from multiple systems into an institutional intelligence framework; 
• Ensuring interoperability of data systems with NQF, NQSF, and HEQSF requirements; 
• Providing strategic and technical direction in system architecture, database design and BI analytics deployment; 
• Determining and preparing Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUPs) for data audits; 
• Serving as institutional liaison with DHET and external auditors regarding data quality and audit trail; 
• Fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence and accountability in institutional analytics and reporting; 
• Driving automation of data validation, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and system updates using APIs and cloud-based workflows; 
• Planning, designing and maintaining a HEMIS database consisting of data from the student production database;
• Developing computer programmes to test and store data to meet the HEMIS requirements and definitions, also ensure that the programs support any other enquiries, requests or investigations from UP or the DHET; 
• Understand and analyse HEMIS requirements and definitions as provided by the DHET (Audit directives, Circulars); 
• Keeping abreast of audit requirements as provided by the DHET and according to the relevant external auditors for University;
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with key stakeholders including Faculties, Finance, ITS, HR, UP Executive, and DHET officials;
• Representing UP at national bodies (HEMIS Institute Forum, SAAIR, DHET working groups);
• Leading BI-related training, capacity building and professional development at UP.

 
MMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• An Honours degree in information systems, data science, computer science, or any relevant fields; 
• 6 years’ experience (of which 2 years in management or technical leadership); 
• Experience in business intelligence, information systems; 
• Proven experience in database management, and system integration within complex organisational or higher education environments. 

 
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of HEMIS, VALPAC frameworks and DHET reporting requirements;
• Business intelligence systems, data warehouses, and cloud analytics;
• Knowledge Automation, AI, and predictive modelling for institutional decision-making;
• Data modelling, governance, and validation in higher education;
• Knowledge Higher Education regulatory landscape (NQSF, NQF, HEQSF, CHE, POPIA);
• Strategic planning and KPI design within institutional analytics;
• BI software (Power BI, Tableau, Qlik) and dashboard design;
• Database management and SQL programming;
• Project management and Agile system development;
• Team leadership and technical mentorship; 
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities to guide multidisciplinary BI and technical teams;
• Analytical, innovative, and strategic mindset with systems-level thinking.; 
• Effective communicator and collaborator with technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• Commitment to continuous learning, digital transformation, and institutional excellence;
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic, data-driven environment.

 
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A Masters degree in information systems, data science, computer science, or any relevant field; 
• Experience at a higher education institution;
• Proven experience in VALPAC operations, HEMIS submissions, and compliance with DHET frameworks;
• Experience developing data pipelines, data warehouses, and cloud-based BI architectures; 
• Experience in managing or improving data quality assurance and governance processes, including audit preparation and policy compliance; 
• Familiarity with DHET, CHE, NQF, NQSF, HEQSF, and POPIA frameworks; 
• Membership in SAAIR, AIR, or equivalent professional association; 
• Proven ability to lead a technical BI team and coordinate system development in line with institutional and national policy standards.

 
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process. 
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP. 
 
In applying for this post, please attach:

• Cover letter; 
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

 
CLOSING DATE:  16 January 2026
 
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
 
ENQUIRIES: Ms M Molema, Tel: (012) 420 2903, maryjane.molema@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries. Dr Hossein Masoumi Karakani, hossein.masoumi-karakani@up.ac.za  for post related content.
 
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
 
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
 
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
 
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. 
 
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
 
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
 
 
 
 
 
 

​SENIOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER
 
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Job ID 26185
Location Institutional Planning
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
 
UP Professional and Support
DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION
SENIOR INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCHER
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 6
 
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
 
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Transforming complex analyses into interactive dashboards, visualisations, and decision-support tools tailored for executive leaders; 
• Using AI-driven early warning systems to identify at-risk students and high-impact modules; 
• Analysing student and staff profiles not only for current differentiation and targets but also to anticipate future workforce needs and skill requirements; 
• Incorporating external datasets (national systems, global higher education data, labour market intelligence) to benchmark UP’s performance and identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and competitive positioning;
• Mentoring colleagues in modern analytics approaches, foster a culture of data literacy and promote innovative research practices across the University; 
• Developing and deploying predictive models to project the shape and size of UP’s student body as part of the enrolment planning;           
• Ingesting and analysing diverse datasets (demographics, economic trends, labour market intelligence, competitor institutions, school-level data;
• Building simulation tools that integrate financial constraints, staffing capacity, infrastructure, and technology requirements to evaluate sustainable growth options;
• Deploying advanced analytics, natural language processing (NLP), and automated web-scraping to continuously monitor competitor institutions, global HE trends, policy shifts, and emerging technologies that impact higher education;
• Building interactive dashboards and real-time monitoring systems to replace traditional reports, enabling ongoing tracking of faculty and institutional performance against strategic priorities;
• Enhancing the subsidy model with scenario planning and sensitivity analyses, using AI-driven forecasting to simulate the financial impact of enrolment shifts, policy changes, and new programme introductions;
• Automating monitoring of performance indicators through integrated data pipelines;
• Analysing ranking metrics using comparative analytics, machine learning clustering, and bibliometric tools to identify strengths, gaps, and leverage points for global visibility;
• Actively collaborate with executive leaders, faculties, and professional service divisions to co-design data-driven solutions that address institutional challenges and opportunities;
• Representing UP in national and international institutional research, higher education analytics, and AI/ML in education communities.

 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• An Honours degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematical statistics, and any other closely relevant areas;
• A total of 6 years’ experience;
• Advanced Analytics and Consultation;
• Proficiency in Analytical Tools and Programming.

 
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Statistical analysis (quantitative and qualitative), prediction and interpretation;
• Knowledge of project management;
• Development of quantitative solutions;
• Knowledge of the higher educational sector;
• Knowledge of machine learning engineering principles;
• Statistical analysis tools;
• AI and advanced analytics (Google Cloud, Tensor flow);
• Interactive dashboard development (Power BI, Tableau);
• Proven competence in the use of data management and statistical analysis tools;
• DevOps and Software Development;
• Strong leadership skills and decisiveness;
• Ability to maintain high level stakeholder relations;
• High level of integrity in handling sensitive information;
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly organised and a keen commitment to excellence;
• The ability to liaise and communicate effectively on all levels within the organisation and with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Strong capacity to identify complex problems, analyse them systematically, and develop practical, data-informed solutions that balance strategic and operational needs;
• Ability to anticipate future trends, generate creative solutions, and apply forward-looking approaches (including digital and analytical innovations) to institutional challenges;
• Strategic Communication and Collaboration;
• Ability to work in a team.

 
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A Master’s degree in information technology, computer science, data science, statistics, mathematical statistics, and any other closely relevant areas;
• Experience in Higher Education Contexts;
• Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR) Membership;
• Experience with DevOps tools and practices for deploying and managing analytics solutions (e.g. AWS, Azure, Docker); 
• Strategic communication and collaboration. 

 
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process. 
 
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP. 
 
In applying for this post, please attach:

• Cover letter; 
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

 
CLOSING DATE:  16 January 2026
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
 
ENQUIRIES: Ms M Molema, Tel: (012) 420 2903, maryjane.molema@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries. 
Dr Hossein Masoumi Karakani, hossein.masoumi-karakani@up.ac.za  for post related content.
 
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
 
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
 
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
 
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. 
 
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

​FACULTY ACCOUNTANT (ONE-YEAR CONTRACT) - DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
 
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Job ID 26184
Location Finance
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Temporary
 
UP Professional and Support
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
FACULTY ACCOUNTANT (ONE-YEAR CONTRACT)
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 6
 
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
 
 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This role will provide professional advice on utilising and controlling approved capital and operational funds. This will include control over external funds (grants, donations, sponsorships, contracts, etc.) received from external institutions in accordance with the UP and entities' policy guidelines.
The role is also responsible for accurate and timely management, accounting statements and reports, and identifying and managing relevant financial risks.
The incumbent will be required to:

• To provide professional utilisation advice, control and management of approved capital and operational funds. 
• To control funds received from external institutions (grants, donations, sponsorships, contracts, etc.) in accordance with the relevant policy guidelines and contracts.
• To process and verify financial transactions in the Faculty.
• To identify and manage risk areas in the Faculty

 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelor's or B Tech degree with accounting at a third-year level.
• Five years’ senior financial accounting experience. (Second and third years of SAICA articles will be considered senior financial accounting experience.)
• Advanced competency in MS Excel
• Experience of research grants administration and reporting

 
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of the following:
  • Application of IFRS standards.
  • Relevant South African tax legislation.
  • Management reporting.
  • Accounting business cycles.  
  • Budgeting.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office.
• Appropriate business writing and communication skills.
• Accountability for own performance.
• Commitment to delivering value to clients.
• Ability to plan and prioritise tasks.
• Evaluation of research grants/contracts

 
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Honours degree in Financial Management or Accounting.
• Three years’ working experience in a higher education environment.
• Three years’ working experience using PeopleSoft or an equivalent ERP system.

 
 
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. 
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow Careers@UP. 
In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

 
 
CLOSING DATE: 04 December 2025  
No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
 
ENQUIRIES: Busi Khumalo, Tel: (012) 420 4134 or busi.khumalo@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Perisher Mofokeng, Tel: (012) 420 6326 or perisher.mofokeng@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the position. Emailed applications will not be accepted. 
 
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 1 March 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
 
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the University's Employment Equity Plan and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the appointment requirements are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.