Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs (post level 2) (Contract appointment five years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term) (Job 6263)

Description

Purpose

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) : Strategic Initiatives International and Institutional Affairs (SI I&IA) provides executive leadership in driving the Universitys strategic direction ensuring alignment with UFS Vision 130 and national higher education priorities. The DVC : SI I&IA will work closely with all members of the executive in the formulation and design of strategic initiatives and operational improvements under the broad direction of the Vice Chancellor and Principal (VCP). The role embeds institutional transformation promotes equity and inclusivity strengthens data-informed decision-making and positions the University as a regionally engaged globally competitive and socially responsive institution.

Key responsibilities

Provide strategic advice and support to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Council Senate and Executive Committee.

Lead institutional foresight strategic business cases and major initiatives including new ventures collaborations and partnerships.

Oversee the Institutional Project Management Office and related strategic initiatives.

Represent the University in national and international forums.

Ensure effective leadership of the portfolios people finances and resources fostering a culture of collaboration accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs) :

1. Strategic Leadership and Initiatives

Lead the development monitoring and evaluation of the UFS Strategic Plan ensuring alignment with Vision 130 and Council-approved goals.

Drive institutional performance management scenario planning and risk management.

Oversee institutional data and analytics to support strategic evidence-based decision-making.

Oversee the Strategic Fund and the funded strategic projects.

2. Internationalisation and Global Engagement

Develop and implement a comprehensive internationalisation strategy to enhance UFSs global reputation.

Strengthen academic and research partnerships with international universities networks and agencies.

Oversee international student recruitment mobility programmes and exchange agreements.

3. Diversity Equity and Transformation

Provide executive oversight of transformation initiatives ensuring compliance with the Employment Equity Act and UFS Transformation Strategy.

Lead diversity equity and inclusion strategies across academic support and student domains.

Promote a culture of belonging respect and recognition.

4. Governance and Policy Leadership

Serve as Chair / member of designated Senate Council and institutional committees.

Oversee policy development and implementation related to strategy transformation and internationalisation.

Ensure compliance with national legislation and Council directives.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

Build strategic networks with government higher education bodies (DHET CHE USAf DoEL) and international partners.

Engage actively with donors funders and external stakeholders to mobilise resources.

Strengthen partnerships with communities NGOs and industry to enhance social impact.

Inherent Job Requirements :

A doctoral degree (PHD / Professional Doctorate) at NQF Level 10.

Minimum of ten (10) years experience and proven track record of senior academic leadership (DVC Executive Dean or equivalent).

Extensive knowledge of national and international higher education systems especially governance legislation institutional change and internationalisation.

Strong experience in strategic planning and institutional change.

Proven record of stakeholder relations and collaboration with government and international partners / networks.

Demonstrated record of research teaching and postgraduate supervision and preferably be appointed at the Professor level.

MBA (Executive management or Strategy) will be advantageous.

Requirements

Skills and attributes :

Proven ability to operationalise strategy into implementable plans and projects.

Exceptional strategic foresight analytical ability and systems thinking.

High-level negotiation advocacy and communication skills.

Ethical leadership integrity and accountability.

Strong leadership and people management capabilities.

Ability to build a culture of inclusivity resilience and innovation.

Assumption of duties

1 February 2026.

Closing date

23 October 2025

KINDLY TAKE NOTE : Applications may be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website : 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 and Cover Letter.

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).

Salary

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits

Subject to specific conditions : pension scheme medical aid scheme group life insurance housing allowance leave and sick leave service bonus and study benefi ts.

Enquiries

For enquiries please contact the Acting Senior Director : Human Resources at or email In addition kindly contact or 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 : EEA13EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).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.

Required Experience :

Intern

Key Skills

Business Intelligence,Category Management,Drawing,Electrical Controls,Academics,Graphics Design

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1