Senior Assistant Officer post level 12) Contract appointment: 3 years)

Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Law -> FS Centre for Human Rights Contract Type Permanent Occupational Level Semi-Skilled Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 20/7/2026 Description KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

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.
• 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).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

General Administrative Support

• Provide efficient and effective administrative support to the Director and division coordinators of the Free State Centre for Human Rights (FSCHR).
• Serve as receptionist (both for telephone calls and physical visitors to the Centre).

Event Planning and Coordination

• Coordinate and administer departmental events, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Liaise with internal units and external service providers to ensure successful event delivery.
• Manage event logistics, including venues, catering, travel arrangements, and materials.
• Support post-event reporting and evaluation processes.

Marketing and Communication

• Support the implementation of departmental marketing and communication strategies.
• Assist with the development and dissemination of promotional materials.
• Maintain and update digital platforms, including websites and social media channels.
• Contribute to enhancing the visibility and reputation of the Centre.

Office and Operational Management

• Oversee daily office operations to ensure an efficient and professional working environment.
• Manage procurement processes in accordance with university policies.
• Monitor office supplies, equipment, and maintenance requirements.
• Ensure compliance with institutional procedures and administrative systems.

Staff Administration

• Provide administrative support related to human resource processes within the department.
• Maintain staff records, including leave, attendance, and personnel documentation.
• Support onboarding processes for new staff members.
• Assist with internal coordination and communication within the team.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between the department and relevant university structures.

Additional Duties

• Provide administrative support for projects and strategic initiatives.
• Perform any other duties as delegated by the line manager in support of departmental objectives.

Inherent requirements:

• Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF Level 4.
• A minimum of one (1) year’s relevant experience in an administrative or coordination role.
• Proven experience in event planning and coordination.

Recommendations:

• Experience within a higher education environment.
• Experience in marketing, social media management, or communications.
• Familiarity with administrative systems and processes within the University of the Free State.
• Project management experience or training.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Competencies Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• 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 be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

• Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

1 October 2026 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:

20 July 2026

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 benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email [email protected] or [email protected] Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 7659 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.

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.