DEPARTMENT OF ENROLMENT AND STUDENT ADMINISTRATION
CAREER SERVICES PROJECT COORDINATOR (TWO-YEAR CONTRACT)
}PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following 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.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Career Services Project Coordinator supports the Career Services Office functions with special focus on managing work exposure, internship opportunities and mentorship programme. This position requires the development and expansion of work exposure opportunities of students to support the aim of employability in the UP strategic plan. This requires the identification and sourcing of work opportunities for UP students and graduates, and ensuring that graduates are prepared for entering the job market.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Manage a centralised mentorship programme for UP students: 
  • Take responsibility for, identify and manage mentorship programme to support the UP strategy for employability;
  • Market and promote mentorship programme to students, and ensure visibility on campus and social media;
  • Coordinate mentorship programme and work exposure opportunities across all divisions and campuses with the various stakeholders to ensure a seamless and effective delivery of the initiative;
  • Ensure effective administrative functions for the mentorship programme opportunities at UP;
  • Work closely with other campus stakeholders (e.g. Faculties and Alumni Office) to identify and coordinate mentorship opportunities;
  • Work with external stakeholders (SAGEA members) who offers mentorship to students/graduates;
  • Grow mentorship programme and work exposure opportunities for all UP final year students;
• Identify and source mentorship opportunities for students: 
  • Ensure a clear understanding of the mentorship programme and needs in the employer market, and ensure that these are addressed in the work exposure programme;
  • Establish contacts with various businesses, public and private sector, and governmental organisations for mentorship and work exposure opportunities;
  • Build relationships with employers and encourage their UP involvement;
  • Promote UP graduates to employers and showcase the added value of employability skills;
  • Build relations with university alumni to establish network opportunities with the aim of creating collaborations, mentorships, job opportunities, and internship opportunities;
  • Grow the number of job opportunities offered to students by building stronger relations with employers and presenting them with added value;
  • Liaise with other UP stakeholders to coordinate mentorship programme;
  • Build and maintain a database of mentors;
  • Identify and specify requirements for employers (profession specific);
  • Develop a process where the mentors may indicate which student they will be willing to mentor;
  • Facilitate opportunities for students to link with alumni, employers, professional organizations, and others who will provide opportunities to develop professional interests and competencies, integrate academic learning with work, and explore future career possibilities;
  • Connect students with employers through on-campus interviews, job and graduate recruitment advertisement, career events networking, job-search events etc.;
  • Share resources with the mentors and mentees with regard to career development;
  • Request final report from the mentors and mentees;
• Identify, screen and prepare candidates for mentorship program: 
  • Market mentorship opportunities for students, and ensure visibility on campus and social media;
  • Establish criteria for applications for mentorship programme. Identify and screen students for mentorship opportunities;
  • Prepare students for mentorship programme and work exposure. Manage and further develop skills training by offering employability workshops;
  • Prepare students by developing job-search skills, effective candidate presentation skills, and the understanding of the fit between their competencies and occupational and job requirements;
  • Ensure that mentorship programme opportunities, their application process, and closing dates are communicated to qualifying students;
• Monitor students and mentors:
  • Create standards for both mentors and mentees for successful completion of mentorship opportunities;
  • Ensure mentorship at beginning of internship, and work exposure opportunities;
  • Regular monitoring and evaluation of employers (monthly);
  • Ensure certificate issued by UP after completion;
  • Ensure that work exposure is added to transcript;
  • Establish contact between the mentor and mentee;
  • Present an orientation session with the mentors;
  • Follow up on any problems arising out of the programme;
  • Create an online profile to share experiences and success stories;
  • Organise end of the year function;
• Source funding for work exposure and internships: 
  • Source funding for mentorship programme and work exposure opportunities from professional bodies and SETAS;
  • Source funding from employers;
  • Find other sources of funding, work closely with Advancement at UP.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelors/BTech degree with three years’ experience in:
  • Project management;
  • Stakeholder management;
  • Student development or workplace training;

OR

• National Diploma with five years’ experience in: 
  • Project management;
  • Stakeholder management;
  • Student development or workplace training.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Coordination and project management;
• Stakeholder management;
• Computer literate, and skilled in various supporting software packages;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple work tasks or projects;
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, as well as the ability to make public presentations in small or large group settings;
• Ability to work with an ethnically and culturally diverse population;
• Must be able to work in a team;
• Professional conduct at all times;
• Communicate on a professional level with employers and senior UP staff;
• Build relationships with stakeholders.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Additional PG qualifications:
• Relevant short learning programmes;
• Student/graduate career development programmes;
• UP stakeholder environment (internally and externally);
• Report writing;
• Prevailing graduate recruitment practices;
• Public speaking/presentations;
• Experience in managing mentorship and work exposure opportunities;
• Working with SETAs and/or QCTO;
• Setting up and managing a database;
• Programme development;
• Fundraising;
• Valid driver’s licence.

PLEASE 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, email addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 05 August 2021

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

ENQUIRIES:  Mr. Z Gqabi, zolani.gqabi@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, Ms. M le Grange, michele.legrange@up.ac.za  for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2021, 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 will 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.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.