Assistant Director; post level 7

Job Title

Assistant Director (post level
7) Job

University of the Free State → Deputy Vice‑Chancellor:
Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs → Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP) → Monitoring and Institutional Research

Permanent

Junior Management

Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

30/9/2026

This post was previously advertised as Job  and Job . Candidates who applied in response to the previous advertisements are required to submit a new application if they remain interested.

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  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).

• Conduct institutional research that supports planning, policy formulation, and decision-making.
• Conduct analysis that improves our understanding of the external context within which the UFS is located (e.g., trends in state funding of higher education, policy shifts, and matric results).
• Process research data into business intelligence by focusing on uniform data definitions, analyses, and the interpretation of information.
• Contribute to research publications.
• Manage the administration of all research projects and stakeholder engagements.
• Engage in institutional strategic planning efforts, contributing to the formulation of the University's vision, mission, and deliverables.
• Actively contribute to the University's strategic planning and quality assurance processes, including monitoring implementation, evaluating impact, and preparing relevant reports.
• Participate in planning and team meetings within MIR and DIRAP.
• Contribute to statutory reporting, including compilation of the annual report, annual performance plan, and mid-year reports.
• Liaise with relevant external bodies.
• Fulfill all responsibilities regarding own performance management.
• Assume responsibilities within the department that may arise spontaneously or as needed, in line with the Assistant Director-level appointment.

• A Master's degree on NQF Level 9 in Higher Education, Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration/Public Management, Statistics, Data Analytics, Economics, or a related field relevant to institutional research, planning and analysis.
• A minimum of four (4) years of working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

• A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10.
• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the South African higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.

• Results-Oriented:
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office programmes, specifically Word and Excel.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African higher education environment.
• In-depth knowledge of…