Faculty Student Advisor / Tutor, Faculty of Education

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
FACULTY STUDENT ADVISOR / TUTOR (ONE POST) (ONE-YEAR CONTRACT APPOINTMENT)
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.

BACKGROUND:

The Faculty of Education requires a Faculty Student Advisor to build and operationally support initial teacher education programmes at the University of Pretoria. The provision of comprehensive support throughout the students' university careers helps them to graduate and find meaningful employment in their chosen professions. The purpose of the job is, therefore, to provide support to all students in the Faculty of Education to transition into and thrive at the University of Pretoria and to co-ordinate related activities.

The incumbent should have a passion for a student-facing role at the University. As a UP employee, the Faculty Student Advisor/Tutor will report to the Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning as well as to the Deputy Director: Academic Support and Development in the Department for Education Innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent's key responsibilities will include:

• Providing general student support to students in need of such;
• Advising students on module choices, study paths and associated career options;
• Presenting academic support-related workshops to invited students;
• Co-ordinating activities during the orientation week for first-year students, addressing readiness for, and expectations and perceptions about mathematical sciences;
• Working closely with staff in the Faculty to provide holistic support to students in need;
• Assisting with the establishment of holistic student engagement and support in the Faculty;
• Assisting with tutoring and grading of large lecture groups;
• Identifying students at risk of failing modules, and preparing and conducting special sessions/tutorials for them;
• Liaising with support structures at the University such as finance, student support, residence and others;
• Working with the Higher Education Research and Innovation Division to collect data on student performance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Honours qualification in Education, Guidance and Counselling; or in Educational or Counselling Psychology;
• Three years' experience as a tutor, mentor or student counsellor at a tertiary institution;
• One year of data capturing experience;
• Driver's licence.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Advanced level of skill in the use of Microsoft packages, Google Suite of applications and the internet, and a willingness and ability to learn and use technological tools;
• Empathy and a passion for improving the lives of others;
• Maturity and judgment to be an effective ambassador of the Graduate on time campaign;
• The ability to analyse data and use technology competently;
• The ability to analyse quantitative data;
• The ability to analyse student results at the end of each semester and recommend changes to better support students;
• Polished, persuasive spoken and written communication skills;
• High level of independence and self-regulation, and an effective team player;
• The ability to get things done with a strong end-product orientation.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Master's degree in Education, Guidance and Counselling; or in Educational or Counselling Psychology;
• Courses in Psychology/Educational Psychology in the undergraduate degree;
• Bachelor degree subjects in the Natural Sciences or Economic and Management Sciences;
• Experience in working with university students in an orientation, advising, retention, student life, residence life, service learning or closely related field;
• Knowledge of the UP campus ecology;
• The ability to handle a variety of complex tasks simultaneously, meet stringent deadlines and work under pressure for extended periods of time.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

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

CLOSING DATE: 30 August 2019

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

ENQUIRIES:

Ms Mandy Moropa, Tel: (012) 420 2966 for application-related enquiries, and Prof Salome Human-Vogel, Tel: (012) 420 2770 for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2019, 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.