The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape is internationally recognised for its excellence in teaching and research. The Faculty comprises nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and a number of world-class research institutes and centres. The Faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines and a professional degree in Pharmacy.

We are seeking candidates for this demanding and accountable position in our renowned and respected Faculty. The role is primarily devoted to the oversight, management, and delivery of academic administrative services, working in partnership with the Dean, Deputy Deans and chairpersons of academic departments. As the successful candidate you will have overall responsibility for the operational management of the Faculty’s academic administration and will work closely with the Faculty’s leadership, academics, administrators and students, as well as the Registrar’s office and Human Resources.

The successful incumbent will offer strategic support, guidance on policy formulation, and advice to the Faculty on every aspect of administration management. You will have the responsibility of putting into practice policy and administrative procedures in the Faculty as well as managing the Faculty Office staff and overseeing procedures within the Faculty.

       The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Facilitating a vision and mission for the administrative function of the Faculty;
• Providing strategic support in the development and implementation of policies and the Faculty Operational Plan as a member of the leadership team;
• Establishing an annual administrative operational plan in line with the Institutional and Faculty Operational Plans;
• Staff management in relation to the University’s Personal Development Management System (PDS) and Integrated Talent Management Framework (ITMF);
• Advising and liaising with academics, departmental administrative staff, students, applicants and committees;
• Ensuring compliance and alignment with central administrative systems, procedures and standards;
• Governance and committee administration;
• Monitoring, evaluation, reporting, data analysis and planning;
• Administering Faculty finances and preparing an annual Faculty budget for the Dean;
• Integrating central HR practices with Faculty needs;
• Maintaining and improving facilities, equipment, building standards, hygiene and cleanliness.

• An NQF 9 qualification (Master’s degree);
• At least 5 years academic administration experience at a senior level in a higher education environment;
• 5 years proven staff management experience, preferably in higher education;
• Proven working knowledge of Higher Education legislation, regulations and policies;
• Experience in high-level committee servicing;
• A proven ability in the coordination of diverse, complex and high-level administrative functions, as they relate to the academic cycle in a higher education institution;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• A high level of computer literacy and proficiency in MS packages.

      The following would be advantageous:

• Fluency in a South African indigenous language.

        Key competencies:

•  Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Planning and organising skills;
• Time and project management skills;
• A strong client focus with impeccable interpersonal skills, assertiveness and ability to build and nurture internal and external relationships;
• Problem solving and multi-tasking skills.