Academic Co-ordinator: Undergraduate and Honours, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Depar[...]

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Pretoria seeks an Academic Co-ordinator for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The role includes providing academic support to students, coordinating workshops, and maintaining records. Applicants should have a Master's degree and at least five years of relevant experience. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The position offers benefits including medical aid contributions and a competitive remuneration package.

Benefits

Medical aid contributions

Annual remuneration package based on level of appointment

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of work experience in relevant areas such as Academic Support and Student Support.
• Experience promoting scholarships to youth in Africa is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic support and advising to students on scholarships.
• Organise workshops and outreach activities for students.
• Maintain accurate records and data of students’ interactions and progress.
• Coordinate the recruitment process for scholarships.

Skills

Advanced computer literacy

General knowledge of all functions and processes regarding undergraduate and postgraduate Scholars

In-depth knowledge of all functions and processes regarding international students

Exceptional written and spoken communication skills in English

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to handle conflict and solve problems

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

UP Professional and Support — Department for Education Innovation — Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Post title: Academic Co-ordinator: Undergraduate and Honours. Peromnes Post Level: 008.

The University of Pretoria invites applications for the vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities

• Academic Support: Provide academic support and advising to students on scholarships; assist students with course selection, academic planning, and research opportunities; collaborate with faculty academic advisors and faculty mentors, and monitor academic progress and performance of students on scholarships.
• Student Support: Collaborate with the Program team to organise workshops, information-sharing sessions, and outreach activities to promote and ensure an environment that enables scholars to succeed and complete their studies within minimum time; serve as a primary contact for undergraduate and Honours students seeking information and assistance regarding scholarships; support activities related to Scholar Representatives and assist in facilitating programmes; liaise with the Program Psychologist, Entrepreneurship/Community Engagement Coordinator, Program Manager for appropriate support for the Scholars.
• Data Management and reporting: Maintain accurate records and data of students’ interactions, academic progress using the Anthology Reach, and generate regular reports; recommend interventions needed for improvement based on Scholars’ progress.
• Recruitment and Application Process Coordination: Participate in the recruitment process and promotion of the scholarship by building relationships with high schools and relevant stakeholders; coordinate the application process for the scholarship with the Senior Recruitment and Liaison Officer and the Program team; ensure recruitment is accessible to and inclusive of a targeted student profile (females, refugees, Internally Displaced Persons, and youth with disabilities).
• Selection and On-boarding: Engage professionally with Scholars’ concerns in a supportive, caring, fair and transparent manner; collaborate with Program team to identify prospective students, organise selection committees, coordinate review meetings, and ensure adherence to selection criteria; participate in planning, onboarding and orientations of new Scholars, and provide assistance with adhoc requests by the Senior Manager and Program Manager.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Counselling, Student Affairs) with at least five years of work experience in the following areas: Academic Support; Student Support; Data Management and reporting; Recruitment and Application Process Coordination; Selection and On-boarding.

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Advanced computer literacy
• General knowledge of all functions and processes regarding undergraduate and postgraduate Scholars
• In-depth knowledge of all functions and processes regarding international students
• Knowledge of degree courses presented at UP
• Knowledge of administrative processes for registered students, undergraduates and postgraduates
• Knowledge of processes relating to graduation certificates and academic records
• Knowledge of Immigration Act and consequences
• Building relationships with embassies in South Africa and South African missions abroad
• Knowledge of embassy protocol
• Self-control and drive, positive attitude
• Meticulousness and responsibility
• Commitment to student success
• Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, inclusivity, and the ability to build rapport with diverse student populations
• Exceptional written and spoken communication and language skills in English
• Ability to:
• perform in real time, high-stress environment
• handle conflict and solve problems
• balance and prioritise multiple tasks
• think in innovative ways
• meet deadlines

Added Advantages And Preferences

• At least two years in: Promoting the Mastercard Foundation scholarship to targeted youth in Africa; Academic advising; Experience in Project Management; Participating and facilitating in evaluating applications; Coordinating the selection process; Experience in managing externally funded educational projects; Overseeing and managing the scholarship awards; Staying abreast of trends in recruitment and processes; Managing data, reporting and exercising confidentiality (POPI Act.)
• Driver’s licence

Note: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 17 September 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms Lungile Maqutu e-mail: [e-mail] for application-related enquiries, and Dr Grace Ramafi, e-mail: [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.