Job Details

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY PERMANENT STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.
 

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).

Duties and responsibilities:
General Management 
•    Report on programmes, activities and challenges arising within the Residence continuously.
•    Attend and co-facilitate training programmes/ workshops either for personal development or the development of the students.
•    File all relevant contracts and agreement forms, election documents.
•    Facilitate the implementation of the code of conduct.
•    Compile a comprehensive term and annual report on the Residence management.
•    Report breakages and maintenance in collaboration with the Service Manager.
•    Financial administration and management of the Residence.
•    Facilitate OHS with relevant offices.

Student-related management
•    Create an inspirational space within the residence community.
•    Manage and control the residence, including the establishment and/or maintenance of an academic
learning culture within a diverse residence community.
•    Manage the residence within the parameters of the stated vision, mission and strategic goals of the UFS
and Student Affairs Department.
•    Establish the residence as a dynamic and diverse community where transformative living and learning
can occur.
•    Implement value-driven management in residence and facilitate value-driven dialogues
•    Guide the residence committee.
•     Implement the college initiative.
•    Provide guidance, direction, advice, and mentorship to students within the residence.
•    Create a residence culture that is inclusive of diverse communities.
•    Maintain sound working relationships with students.
•    Ensure effective communication with all residents about their roles and responsibilities.
•    Prioritise the interaction with parents and prospective students.
•    Engage residents and parents (where necessary) on the activities and programmes of the
residents.

Development, management and supervision of student leaders
•    Build and maintain good relations with residence management and ensure that the residence
committee functions well and monitors their tasks and responsibilities.
•    Facilitate the residence committee elections and appointments.
•    Manage and lead the training of residence student leadership, considering opportunities provided by the UFS.
•    Actively participate in the yearly planning of the residence committee and ensure that the year plan
is finalised and implemented.
•    Offer mentorship to leaders where required.
•    Facilitate and support continuous team building and individual development.
•    Attend residence committee and house meetings as part of the residence management.
•    Oversee the first year's election committee.
•    Oversee collaboration of Sub-committees, mentors, and other residence second-layer leadership.
•    Identifying student leaders and opportunities for leadership development.

Promote the integration of residence living and learning and value-driven culture
•    Ensure the welcoming of FTENs within the residence and that this meets the highest University standards.
•    Facilitate the residence mentor system by ensuring that mentors are appointed and trained, guide
mentors: schedule regular feedback sessions with mentors to offer advice and guidance were
required.
•    Promote the residence as an environment that enhances student success through student success and
engagement: encourage academics and invite guests to visit the residence and to share research.
•    Provide support and guidance to students on issues that might arise with regard to personal, life,
and/or career and refer, if necessary, to relevant professionals
•    Establish a healthy community culture within the residence, particularly regarding the celebration of
diversity and participation within the residence, regarding community interaction
•    Create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and student success
•    Provide support for academic, medical, emotional, psychological, and social care to ensure each
student's personal growth, development, and stability.
•    Promote a sense of community for students where they take responsibility for their well-being and
their fellow students.
•    Support and refer students to the relevant academic departments, UFS and Student Affairs support
departments for necessary aid on campus.
•     Act as a role model at all times.

Policy and compliance management
•    Ensure the application of policies as conveyed by Student Affairs and Housing and Residence Affairs
Departments.
•    Implement general UFS policy and relevant department policy and guidelines.
•    Ensure that the residents have a proper disciplinary code that fits the student regulations of the
university and one that meets value-driven management standards.
•    Manage disciplinary incidents in terms of residential students as well as inculcate values amongst the
students regarding the disciplinary structure of the residence.
•    In collaboration with the Residence Committee, refer disciplinary incidents within the residence to the Student Disciplinary Committee of the University.
•    Manage and report other incidents within the residence.
•    Implement Residence Placement Policy regarding integration, room allocations, etc.
•    Revise student disciplinary procedures.
•    Monitor minor offenses, penalties, and the disciplinary committee for severe offenses.
•    Handle appeals against penalties issued by the residence committee.
•    Conduct confidential conversations with students after serious transgression.
•    Participate in mediation and coaching and liaise with the HOD to resolve disciplinary matters.
•    Refer level three contraventions to HOD.

Inherent requirements:
•    A bachelor's degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7.
•    Minimum two (2) years' experience in a university residence or Student Affairs Environment.

Recommendations:
•    A postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8 will be advantageous.
•    Three (3) to five (5) years' experience will be advantageous.
•    Knowledge of the student disciplinary process.
•    Knowledge of residence management and policies.
•    Understanding trends in Higher Education.
•    Mentoring and coaching.
•    Conflict resolution and mediation.

Required competencies: 
•    Results Orientated:
-    The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
-    The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
•    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 maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
-    The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
•    Building Coalitions:
-    The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
-    The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision. 

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible. 

Closing date:
29 October 2026

Salary:
Allowance: R185 853.96 per annum 

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 7659 or email Sejanamanep@ufs.ac.za  or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2876 / 2558 / 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.