External Examiner

This is a remote position.

We are seeking an experienced and independent External Examiner to safeguard the academic standards and credibility of MSI qualifications. This role provides independent oversight of assessment standards and ensures alignment with national higher education benchmarks and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities outlined below are indicative of the role and may evolve in accordance with business needs.

1. Academic Standards Oversight

• Review assessment instruments and marking rubrics to ensure alignment with learning outcomes.

• Benchmark assessment standards against comparable higher education programmes.

• Confirm that academic standards are appropriate for the qualification level.

2. Review of Marking & Results

• Review representative samples of marked assessments.

• Evaluate marking consistency and fairness.

• Confirm appropriateness of grade distributions.

• Recommend systemic adjustments where necessary.

3. Academic Integrity & Compliance

• Identify academic risks or irregularities.

• Review escalated academic integrity matters where required.

• Ensure compliance with CHE, SAQA and DHET regulatory expectations.

4. Reporting & Governance

• Submit formal External Examiner reports per assessment cycle.

• Highlight strengths, risks and recommendations for improvement.

• Present findings to the Assessment Committee and Academic Board where required.

• Master’s Degree minimum (Doctorate preferred) in relevant discipline.

• Senior academic or industry expert with higher education assessment experience.

• Strong understanding of quality assurance and benchmarking practices.

• Knowledge of South African higher education regulatory framework.

Independence Requirements

• May not be employed by Master Start, Master Start Institute or Master Start SA.

• May not be directly involved in programme delivery.

• Must declare conflicts of interest.

• Must operate independently and objectively.

Engagement Terms

• Contract-based appointment (per assessment cycle or annual contract).

• Remote engagement with virtual meetings as required.

• May be invited to attend governance meetings virtually.

• Fee per module or per assessment cycle (experience dependent).

• Paid upon submission of approved External Examiner report.

• Remote (South Africa or International)