Assistant Director – Monitoring and Institutional Research
- University: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Directorate: Directorate for Institutional Research, Strategic Analytics and Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (DIRSIP)
- Unit: Monitoring and Institutional Research
- Job ID: 6603
- HRSmart Advert: 2281
- Post Level: 7
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
- Salary: Salary scale available on request
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking an Assistant Director: Monitoring and Institutional Research to contribute to institutional research, strategic planning, data analysis, quality assurance and statutory reporting.
The successful candidate will support evidence-based planning and decision-making by conducting institutional research, analysing higher education trends, transforming research data into business intelligence and contributing to the University’s strategic and operational planning processes.
Important: This position was previously advertised under Job IDs 6418 and 6462. Candidates who applied previously must submit a new application if they remain interested.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct institutional research to support planning, policy formulation and decision-making.
- Analyse external higher education trends, including state funding, policy changes and matric results.
- Process research data into business intelligence through consistent data definitions, analysis and interpretation.
- Contribute to research publications.
- Manage the administration of research projects and stakeholder engagements.
- Participate in the University’s strategic planning processes.
- Contribute to the development of the University’s vision, mission and deliverables.
- Support strategic planning and quality assurance processes.
- Monitor implementation and evaluate the impact of strategic initiatives.
- Prepare relevant institutional reports.
- Participate in planning and team meetings within MIR and DIRAP.
- Contribute to statutory reporting, including the annual report, annual performance plan and mid-year reports.
- Liaise with relevant external bodies.
- Fulfil responsibilities relating to own performance management.
- Undertake additional departmental responsibilities as required at Assistant Director level.
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in one of the following:
- Higher Education
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Public Administration/Public Management
- Statistics
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- A related field relevant to institutional research, planning and analysis
- At least 4 years’ relevant work experience related to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
- Relevant PhD on NQF Level 10.
- At least 5 years’ work experience within the South African higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies and procedures.
Required Competencies
Results-Oriented
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
- Able to fulfil obligations effectively.
- Able to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong attention to detail.
- Organised and systematic approach to work.
- Ability to work towards high-quality outcomes.
Business Acumen
- Ability to adhere to rules, policies and work regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel.
- In-depth knowledge of the South African higher education environment.
- Knowledge of strategic and operational planning, reporting policies and processes.
- Demonstrated statutory reporting skills, particularly DHET submissions.
- Strong communication, presentation, facilitation and negotiation skills.
Leading
- Ability to cooperate with others and encourage teamwork.
- Ability to take charge, provide direction and lead when required.
Building Coalitions
- Confidence and ease when engaging with different stakeholders.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed CV.
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications.
- Copy of South African ID or passport for foreign nationals.
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants, such as an employment letter, appointment contract, service certificate or recent payslip.
The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to merge documents where necessary to avoid upload problems.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries, contact:
Telephone: 051 401 2979
Email: JardineS@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Application Assistance: 051 401 7659 / 9813