Programme Officer

Post Number 8020357 (1021) Faculty/Department University of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic -> Directorate of Teaching, Learning & Student Success (DTLSS) Type of Position Permanent - Full Time Length of Contract Period Location Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 9/7/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape is nationally recognised for leadership in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), widening access, adult learning, and transformative admissions practices.

The Directorate of Learning, Teaching and Student Success seeks to appoint a highly capable Programme Officer to support the strategic and operational work of the Recognition of Prior Learning Unit.

This role requires an experienced and highly organised professional with strong institutional systems knowledge, excellent administrative capability, stakeholder engagement skills, and demonstrated understanding of RPL implementation within higher education.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing undergraduate and postgraduate RPL information, advising, and applicant support,
• Coordinating administrative processes linked to RPL access and admissions,
• Managing application processing, pre-screening, shortlisting support, and communication workflows,
• Coordinating the Portfolio Development Hybrid Programme (PDHP) and related candidate support initiatives,
• Maintaining accurate applicant and student records using institutional systems,
• Working extensively with SASI, InfoLN, and related university administrative systems,
• Supporting RPL candidate tracking, admissions reporting, and progression monitoring,
• Coordinating stakeholder communication with faculties, departments, applicants, and internal administrative units,
• Supporting planning, logistics, scheduling, and operational implementation of RPL activities,
• Preparing reports, institutional data summaries, and administrative documentation,
• Participating in RPL operational planning, quality improvement, and service enhancement initiatives,
• Maintaining confidentiality and professional handling of sensitive applicant information.

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Research experience in Recognition of Prior Learning implementation within higher education,
• Knowledge of SAQA, NQF, articulation, access, and admissions frameworks,
• Experience working with adult learners or non-traditional access pathways,
• Familiarity with faculty administrative processes within UWC.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric and a NQF Level 7 qualification,
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in higher education administration,
• Demonstrated experience in programme coordination, admissions administration, or student access operations,
• Proven experience working with university administrative systems and data management processes,
• Experience using SASI and/or InfoLN will be a strong advantage,

Sound understanding of higher education qualification pathways and admissions processes.
*

Core Competencies

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills,
• Strong planning and coordination capability,
• Excellent written and verbal communication,
• High attention to detail,
• Stakeholder relationship management,
• Data management and reporting competence,
• Ability to multitask under pressure,
• Professional discretion and confidentiality,
• Strong teamwork and institutional collegiality,
• Digital fluency and systems confidence.

For further information (but not applications), please contact Dr Rekha Rambarose at [email protected]

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile. To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: [email protected]. DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.