Job Details

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.                                                                                                                           
 

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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:

​​​​​Strategic Leadership, Governance and Financial Management

•    Lead and manage the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) function across all UFS campuses and locations.
•    Develop, implement and oversee institutional OHS strategies, policies, standards and frameworks.
•    Provide strategic advice to Executive Management, Deans, Directors and Management Structures on OHS matters.
•    Lead institutional OHS governance structures and committees.
•    Prepare executive reports, compliance reports, risk reports and related presentations.
•    Manage the OHS Operational budget
•    Procurement approval.

Legal Compliance and Assurance
•    Ensure institutional compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and all applicable regulations.
•    Act as the University's primary liaison with regulatory authorities, including the Department of Employment and Labour.
•    Develop and implement compliance monitoring programmes and audit systems.
•    Manage institutional compliance inspections and external audits.

Risk, Laboratory and High-Risk Environment Management
•    Oversee institutional risk assessments and hazard identification programmes.
•    Provide oversight of laboratory safety and manage related projects across all campuses.
•    Manage asbestos compliance programmes and related projects.
•    Oversee compliance relating to fuel storage, gas installations, reservoirs, water infrastructure and other hazardous installations.
•    Oversee and monitor contractor OHS compliance for all construction projects and maintenance activities.

Fire Safety, Emergency and Disaster Management
•    Lead institutional fire safety governance and compliance.
•    Develop and oversee emergency response and disaster management plans.
•    Coordinate emergency preparedness exercises and simulations.
•    Ensure institutional readiness for major incidents, disasters and pandemics.

Incident and Injury on Duty Management
•    Oversee institutional Injury on Duty (IOD) management processes.
•    Ensure effective investigation of incidents and implementation of corrective actions.
•    Monitor trends and develop preventative interventions.

Leadership and People Management
•    Lead and manage the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.
•    Manage performance, development and accountability of personnel.
•    Ensure adequate training and competency development of OHS personnel and safety
representatives.
•    Drive a culture of safety and accountability throughout the University.
 

Inherent Job Requirements:

•    Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, Environmental Health, Risk Management or a related field (attach a copy). 
•    Registration with a recognised professional body in the Occupational Health and Safety field (attach a copy).
•    SAMTRAC or an equivalent recognised Occupational Health and Safety qualification (attach a copy).
•    A minimum of five (5) years’ management experience. 
•    A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant Occupational Health and Safety experience. 
•    Proven experience in managing OHS functions across a complex multi-site organisation.
•    Experience in emergency management, fire safety, contractor compliance and incident investigation.
•    Experience dealing with regulatory authorities and compliance audits.
•    Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and Regulations.
•    Valid Code B driver's licence (attach a copy). 

Recommendations:

•    A relevant Honours degree /Postgraduate Diploma/Professional Bachelor’s degree on NQF Level 8.
•    Experience within the higher education environment.
•    Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
•    Knowledge of: 
-    Disaster Management legislation and principles.
-    Fire Safety Management.
-    Contractor Construction Regulations.
-    Incident Investigation and Injury on Duty (IOD) Management.
-    Laboratory and hazardous environment safety.
-    Risk Management principles.
-    Environmental and Municipal By-laws.
-    Governance and compliance frameworks.
​​

Key Competencies Required:

•    Results Orientated:
-    The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
-    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 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 make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision. 

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
29 July 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 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 2558  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.