Programme Coordinator Contract appointment: 5 years)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Part time

Job summary

University of the Free State invites applications for a Programme Coordinator on a five-year contract. The role oversees curriculum processes, development of learning programmes, and coordination of the programme plan, ensuring alignment with governance and quality standards.

The successful candidate will coordinate academic administration, support teaching and learning, and contribute to programme marketing and information materials.

Qualifications

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Food Systems, Consumer Sciences or related field.
• Full-time, permanent member of the academic staff from the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Development at the University of the Free State (UFS).
• Experience in curriculum development, academic administration and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate curriculum processes within the Sustainable Food Systems programme.
• Facilitate development and review of learning programmes in consultation with stakeholders.
• Coordinate the programme operational plan development, implementation and monitoring.
• Provide academic coordination to promote coherence across modules and governance compliance.
• Coordinate quality assurance and continuous improvement processes for the programme.
• Liaise with academic and administrative stakeholders on programme activities.

Skills

Results oriented

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Leading

Building coalitions

Education

PhD in Food Systems/Consumer Sciences or related field

Job description

Programme Coordinator (Contract appointment: 5 years) (Job ID: 6672) - (2344)

Job Title

Programme Coordinator (Contract appointment: 5 years) (Job ID: 6672)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Sustainable Food Systems and Development

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Temporary

Location

Closing Date

9/11/2026

Description

Duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate curriculum processes within the Sustainable Food Systems programme.
• Facilitate the development and review of learning programmes in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of the programme operational plan.
• Provide academic coordination and promote coherence across modules within the programme.
• Ensure programme activities comply with applicable University governance, policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Coordinate academic quality assurance and continuous improvement processes within the programme.
• Coordinate academic administration and liaise with relevant academic and administrative stakeholders.
• Promote high-quality scholarship, teaching and learning within the programme.
• Coordinate teaching, learning and student-related matters within the programme.
• Conduct own research in accordance with the requirements of the substantive academic appointment.
• Provide academic input on enquiries, yearbook amendments, schedules and timetables relating to the programme.
• Participate in Faculty marketing initiatives as required.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate programme marketing and information materials.

Inherent requirements:

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Food Systems, Consumer Sciences or related field.
• A full-time, permanent member of the academic staff from the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and Development at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Recommendations:

• Relevant experience in academic programme coordination, curriculum development or academic administration.
• Experience in quality assurance, student matters and collaborative academic leadership.
• Knowledge of UFS academic governance, policies and curriculum processes.

Required competencies:

• Results Orientated: The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to deal with several activities at a time. The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• Business Acumen: The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Leading: The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties: 01 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter

Allowance:
An allowance is payable, which is calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the relevant decision‑making structures of the UFS. The value of the allowance is available on request.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 7659 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail] . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9813 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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.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.

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