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. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Learning Design 

•    Liaise with Faculties / Schools / Departments to provide Learning design services.
•    Support academic staff proactively to pursue continuous curriculum and programme innovation, including alternative forms of delivery including blended and online learning approaches.
•    Market blended/online learning proactively within the University of the Free State.
•    Support academic staff in the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of blended/online learning initiatives.
•    Support academic staff in the meaningful integration of technology in Learning and Teaching.
•    Support staff in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning principles in the design of their blended/online course, assessments and course materials.
•    Implement divisional procedures for designing and developing blended/online learning modules.

Client Relations – Liaison/ Coordination/ Communication 

•    Deal with queries from academic staff regarding Learning and Teaching design.
•    Responsible for the effective dissemination of information about Learning and Teaching design, the official Learning Management System and UFS Educational Technologies to faculty.
•    Collaborate with appropriate teaching and learning role-players within faculties and CTL.
•    Perform a variety of general administrative tasks, e.g. answering correspondence.
•    Maintain links with other Higher Education institutions and participate in communities of practice relevant to Learning and Teaching design.

Training and Development 

•    Develop training material related to the integration of technology into teaching and learning, including (but not limited to) the use of the Learning Management System and other UFS approved Educational Technologies.
•    Present workshops regarding teaching with technology, including (but not limited to) the use of the Learning Management System and UFS-approved Educational Technologies.
•    Incorporate Universal Design for Learning principles into training/workshops presented and implement Universal Design for Learning principles in the presentation of training/workshop sessions and in the development of training materials.
•    Be part of a structured mentorship programme to create further opportunities for growth and development.
•    Play an active role in his/her own self-development and take part in relevant self-development opportunities.

People Management – Supervision

•    Work in close collaboration with the designated Learning Developer.
•    Supervise and allocate tasks and activities to the designated Learning Developer.

Research
•    Analyse and interpret international and national best practices in learning and teaching, specifically blended/online learning.
•    Research on the use of emerging and innovative technology in learning and teaching practices.
•    Write an annual report on staff training presented and faculty learning design initiatives and projects.
•    Play an active role in BLISS research projects.

Inherent Job Requirements:

•    Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7.
•    Two (2) to three (3) years’ relevant working experience in computer-integrated teaching and learning and/or instructional/ learning design.
•    Two (2) to three (3) years’ relevant experience in the use of educational technology, including but not limited to a learning management system (e.g.Blackboard/Moodle/Sakai/Canvas/D2L)

Recommendations:

•    Postgraduate qualification or diploma in Education or Higher Education focusing on curriculum design and/or the use of educational technology.
•    One-year experience in research methodology.
•    One-year experience in a higher education environment.
•    One-year experience in project management.

Key Competencies Required:

•    Results orientated:
o    The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
o    The ability to deal calmly and effectively    with high stress situations.

•    Strategic thinking:
o    The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
o    The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

•    Business acumen:
o    Ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
o    Proficient in using MS Office.
o    Good computer skills including, but not limited to, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
o    Good communication skills (verbal and written)

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

•    Building coalitions:
o    The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
o    The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
*Certified copies must not be older than 6 months

•    A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter;
•    Certified copies (not older than 6 months) of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications);
•    A certified copy (not older than 6 months) of your identity document (ID);
•    Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable);
•    A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable);
•    A service record of your current employer / last employer (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:
01 May 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date:
15 March 2023.

Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is: R408 148.51 – R513 407.84 per annum depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9810 / 9814/ 9848 for assistance.

General:
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The University subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned act and the employee profile of the specific department/ division. 

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 Policy is available at :   https://ufsacza.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/supportservices/hr/Employment Equity/EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=TjtoXH

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 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.