Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: Office of the Dean - Postgraduate Academic Success Coach

UP Posting - Academic

FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

OFFICE OF THE DEAN, POSTGRADUATE ACADEMIC SUCCESS COACH

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8 (SIX-MONTH RENEWABLE CONTRACT POST)

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria invites 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.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences requires a Faculty Student Advisor to support postgraduate students, serve in an advisory role and develop support programmes within the Faculty. The incumbent should have a passion for a student-facing role at the University. The purpose of the job is, therefore, to provide support to all postgraduate students in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences to enable them to transition into and thrive at the University of Pretoria and to co-ordinate related activities.

The provision of comprehensive support throughout students' university careers helps them to graduate and find meaningful employment in their chosen professions.

As a UP employee, the Faculty Student Advisor will report to the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies and to the Deputy Director: Academic Support and Development in the Department for Education Innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent's key responsibilities will

• Provide general student support to postgraduate students, local and international;

• Provide support to the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies and the Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning in all matters pertaining to teaching and postgraduate studies;

• Advise students on module choices, study paths and associated career options;

• Provide academic advising services to postgraduate students in the Faculty through possible communication mediums such as telephone, online platforms or chat applications;

• Track students' performance and direct them to available academic assistance;

• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders;

• Liaise with and direct postgraduate students to support structures at the University such as finance, student support, residence and others;

• Liaise and support administrative personnel in the Faculty in terms of postgraduate bursaries;

• Create a database to monitor registered postgraduate student numbers and postgraduate student progress;

• Co-ordinate activities during the orientation session for postgraduate students;

• Conduct and coordinate academic support-related workshops for invited students i.e. postgraduate support sessions that are offered over the course of the year;

• Assist and support academic staff with the Faculty Postgraduate Day - a platform for postgraduate students to showcase their research;

• Work closely with staff in the Faculty to provide holistic support to students in need;

• Assist with the establishment of holistic student engagement and support in the Faculty; and

• Identify ' at-risk' students and prepare and conduct special sessions/tutorials for them and manage data on student interactions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Master's degree in Educational Psychology or Psychology or Social Work; and

• Three years' experience as a tutor, mentor or advisor at a tertiary institution.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Empathy and passion for improving the wellbeing of others;

• Advanced level of skill in the use of Microsoft packages, Google Suite of applications and the internet;

• The ability to analyse data and to learn and use technological tools competently;

• The ability to analyse quantitative data;

• A good understanding of the faculty curriculum;

• Advanced MS Excel skills;

• Excellent time management skills;

• Basic understanding of Higher Education Systems;

• Ability to present workshops and conduct one-on-one interviews;

• Excellent facilitation skills;

• Ability to manage and follow through referred cases;

• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills; and

• Available to keep office hours

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• Two years' career counselling experience; and

• Courses in Psychology/Educational Psychology in the undergraduate degree.

The total remuneration package for this position is determined by UP guidelines.

In applying for this post, please attach

• A comprehensive CV;

• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact

CLOSING DATE: 02 October 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not meet the minimum requirements.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 December 2026, 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 to not fill the advertised positions.