Director: Projects Management (P4)

UNISA is a publicly funded Higher Education Institution in South Africa dedicated to distance education. In keeping with its mandate as a Comprehensive, Open and Distance Learning (CODeL+) institution offering a variety of academic and career focused programmes. Unisa is inviting applications for the following positions:

PORTFOLIO: OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES

DEPARTMENT: UNIVERSITY ESTATES

Director: Projects Management (P4)

• Ref: D:PM/UE/OF/AM/2025 • Five (5) Year Fixed-Term Contract

The purpose and objectives of this position is to formulate and execute the plans of the Directorate in line with the Unisa 2016-2030 Strategy and CODeL Business Model.

Key performance areas entail: Strategic Direction and Alignment through among others; • Developing operational Plan and KPI’s in support of the departmental strategy while supporting the institution’s overall vision and strategy • Executing the directorate’s operational plan and procedures to support the CODeL 2016-2030 Strategy • Interpreting policies to lower levels and ensuring alignment with Directorate’s operational plan • Developing and managing relations with other portfolios, regions, colleges and departments to ensure alignment with the broader institutional plans and processes and developing best practices, build on, and constantly refining a comprehensive vision for the directorate, by providing direction in the directorate’s area(s) of specialisation. Operational, Leadershipand Execution that entails among others; • Providing tactical and operational leadership regarding all operations of the directorate from an overall perspective, which include • Planning programmes in terms of business definition, budget, resource planning, preliminary scope statement, assumptions and exclusions • Overseeing the overall execution of project management processes • Scoping programme to ensure that the project scoping includes all relevant elements for successful planning of the programme • Scoping the change control processes for the programme • Conducting programme integration, taking into consideration the programme and project plan development, programme and project plan execution and the overall change control • Defining programme and project time management in accordance with activity definition, activity sequencing, activity duration, schedule development, schedule control and resource planning • Planning programme and project cost management in accordance with resource planning, cost estimation, cost budgeting and cost control • Ensure project quality through among others: – Defining programme quality control mechanisms to ensure adequate quality control application across project time span • Conducting quality assurance in accordance with set schedules to ensure that the programme deliverables adhere to set standards • Fostering the relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders • Managing programme risks by developing risk management instruments including contingency and preventative plans and guiding and overseeing the adoption of leading engineering and/or technical practices in asset care and  management. Forecasting, Budgeting and Financial Management by • Managing the directorate’s resources efficiently, effectively, economically and in accordance with the relevant principles and policies of Unisa • Compiling and managing the directorate’s budget in line with the departmental budget • Directing and monitoring the directorate’s expenditure within budgeted parameters and reporting on variances periodically• Managing the process of allocation of financial resources within the Directorate and managing the function’s resources sustainably in accordance with financial principles among others. People Management by ensuring that all staff in the directorate are orientated to the organisation, trained, skilled, retained and that their expertise is optimally applied • Ensuring a high performance culture in the directorate through taking accountability for an effective and well-articulated performance management process • Ensuring the implementation of training and development programmes for staff, including personal development plans (PDPs) • Establishing a positive, healthy and safe work environment and culture in accordance with the Transformation Charter and Fostering an organisational culture and climate that is ethics and value driven. Governance and Reporting through • Monitoring and reporting on progress against departmental strategic initiatives • Monitoring and reporting on legislative and statutory compliance • Promoting sound institutional governance and participating in institutional governance structures (Professional Citizenship) • Compiling regular reports to Council, its committees and other relevant structures • Risk management • Documenting and reporting on directorate specific matters while ensuring proper record keeping. Technical Competences include • Technology savvy • Corporate Governance • Knowledge and application of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) regulations and other relevant legislation • Management principles, methodologies and tools •Problem solving and root cause identification skills • Acute business acumen and understanding of organizational issues and challenges; • Project management approaches, tools and phases of the project lifecycle and Policy development and implementation. Requisite qualifications and experience include a minimum of a Bachelor Honours Degree/Postgraduate Diploma/Professional Bachelor’s Degree. Essentially a non-negotiable minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience with at least 5 years in a management /supervisory role. Registration with SACPCMP will serve as an added advantage.

Director: Maintenance (P4)

Ref: D:MAINT/UE/OF/AM/20255 • Five (5) Year Fixed-Term Contract

The purpose and objectives of this position is to oversee all aspects of a facility maintenance operations, setting the overall goals, strategies, objectives, managing staff and collaborations with managers and heads from other departments, meeting or exceeding Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Key performance areas entail: Leadership and Management by among others • Setting overall maintenance directorate goals, processes, or procedures to accomplish UNISA’s objectives • Creating an overall vision and strategy for implementing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repair and maintenance objectives • Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the maintenance directorate • Creating processes and procedures regarding how repair and replacement decisions are made, workflow and reporting of completed tasks, and budget and purchasing decisions • Overseeing the execution of daily and regular tasks for buildings and machinery in accordance with UNISA’s standards and guidelines • Overseeing supervisors who are assigned to specific buildings within a complex • Overseeing, motivating, and reviewing maintenance supervisors including management of training and professional development • Supervising and leading the maintenance team, including technicians and contractors • Managing and coordinating maintenance activities, ensuring efficient and effective operations • Developing a process for appraisals and performance reviews of staff • Developing a process to screen, hire, train and/or terminate staff in accordance with company standards and regulations and maintaining records of repairs, renovations and scheduled preventative maintenance. Maintenance Planning and Execution that necessitates among others; • Creating a preventive maintenance system as well as procedures to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly • Developing and implementing preventative maintenance programs for all equipment, systems, and facilities • Developing and executing maintenance and construction programs • Determining the need for emergency repairs, renovations and other maintenance services • Preparing work schedules and requisitions materials, tools and equipment and Inspecting work upon completion to ensure quality and standards are met. Budgeting and Financial Management through • Developing and managing the maintenance budget • Monitoring expenses and tracking progress on maintenance projects and Identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing strategies to improve efficiency among others. Communication and Collaboration by • Working closely with various departments and stakeholders to identify needs and address issues • Collaborating with other department managers on projects and assignments • Providing technical information and guidance to management and other departments while communicating effectively with all levels of the organization. Safety and Compliance demanding • Complying with all health, safety, and regulations • Ensuring that all maintenance activities are conducted in accordance with safety regulations and industry standards • Developing and implementing emergency response plans for facility-related emergencies and maintaining a safe and clean work environment. Knowledge, skills and abilities includes • Having a big-picture mentality that can create a vision and mission for a maintenance team • Delegating tasks and responsibilities to maintenance  supervisors in an effective, positive and efficient manner • Understanding and following OHS guidelines and other regulations and exhibiting problem solving and team building.

Requisite qualifications and experience include a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree/Postgraduate Diploma/Professional Bachelor’s Degree. A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience with at least 5 years’ in a management/supervisory role. Registration with ECSA or SACPCMP. Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) will serve as an added advantage.

CLOSING DATE: 23 MAY 2025.

• The detailed advertisement together with the prescribed application form can be found on the Unisa website http://www.unisa.ac.za/vacancies
• Unisa is not obliged to fill an advertised position • Late, incomplete and incorrect applications will not be
considered • We welcome applications from persons with disabilities • Appointments will be made in
accordance with Unisa’s Employment Equity Plan and other applicable legislation.

Skill Placement (Pty) Ltd has been solely retained to source and assess applicants for these roles. Interested and suitably qualified applicants should forward a motivational letter and a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, and copies of qualifications to [email protected] Remuneration is commensurate with the seniority of the position.

CLOSING DATE: 23 MAY 2025.

• The detailed advertisement together with the prescribed application form can be found on the Unisa website (http://www.unisa.ac.za/vacancies)• Unisa is not obliged to fill an advertised position •Late, incomplete and incorrect applications will not be considered • We welcome applications from persons with disabilities • Appointments will be made in accordance with Unisa’s Employment Equity Plan and other applicable legislation.