This guide contains 8 UNISA vacancies offering jobs in higher education institutions, covering both teaching and non-teaching jobs.
So, if you have the skills and qualifications in other fields besides teaching, then the following UNISA vacancies will still accommodate your passion and talent.
Ready to build your first career or take what you have now to the next level?
Awesome!
Now it’s time to share all UNISA vacancies we discovered.
Photo: @thirdman on pexels.com
What is UNISA?
UNISA, or the University of South Africa, is the largest university system in South Africa by enrollment rate. In fact, the university attracts a third of all higher education students in all parts of the country.
Through various affiliations and colleges, UNISA has more than 400,000 students, including international students from 130 countries around the world. As a result, this makes UNISA one of the world’s mega universities and the only such university on the continent.
UNISA offers both vocational and academic programs, many of which have received global accreditation, making it a comprehensive university. Also, UNISA has an extensive geographical footprint, giving its students recognition and employment in many countries around the world.
Interestingly, many of its alumni are notable South Africans, such as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
UNISA was founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope. The beginning of its history was the time when UNISA became the examining agency for the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as an incubator of other universities in South Africa.
Then, in 1964, UNISA accepted a new role as a distance education university. Today, the university offers degree and diploma courses as well as certificates up to doctoral level.
Meanwhile, in 2004, UNISA merged with Technikon Southern Africa, a polytechnic, and incorporated the distance education component of Vista University.
UNISA has seven regional centres in South Africa, serving students across nine provinces, including:
- 3 campuses in the Eastern Cape
- 5 campuses in Gauteng
- 2 campuses in the Western Cape
- 5 campuses in Kwazulu-Natal
- 3 campuses in Limpopo
- 5 campuses in the Midlands
- 2 campuses in Mpumalanga
Reasons to Work for UNISA
- Conducive working environment
- Job security
- Good incentives and bonuses
- Provision of effective quality services following working standard
- Tons of learning opportunities
- Free lunch
- Professional and personal support from the institution
- Competitive salary
- Paid leaves
- Retirement fund
- Medical aid
Job Opportunities Available in UNISA Vacancies
You may think that becoming a lecturer is the only job opportunity available in UNISA vacancies.
Well, we’re sorry to say this, but you couldn’t be more wrong.
In fact, other job opportunities don’t always revolve around teaching.
You will find them once you finish reading the list of UNISA vacancies below.
1. Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants are also commonly known as student support services officers. That makes sense considering their duties are mostly related to providing support for student affairs.
However, the responsibilities of an administrative assistant usually go beyond providing customer service to students. He/she is also responsible for other administrative tasks, including:
- Attend and take notes at various operational and administrative meetings upon request;
- Assist with the preparation of presentations by the Executive Dean;
- Serve as a front desk receptionist or administrative assistant during meal breaks, rest periods and at other times when needed;
- Assist with the coordination, control and completion of special projects on request; and
- Carry out other job-related tasks as assigned.
Given that the role is closely related to the delivery of excellent customer service, it is normal for candidates to be expected to have good communication skills.
In addition, they must also be proficient in computer operations and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all times.
To apply, you will need a National Senior Certificate or Matric and years of experience as an administrative assistant before applying. Alternatively, a college degree would be preferable.
2. Vice-Chancellor
A vice-chancellor is a person who is in charge of academic and administrative matters. At other times, he/she also acts as a chancellor’s deputy or substitution.
The main job of a vice-chancellor is to lead the university’s academic and administrative departments.
Also, he/she may serve on several university councils, assisting with policy development and academic planning, preparing budgets while maintaining a positive image of the institution.
To become one, you must have a PhD in your chosen discipline. In addition, it will be beneficial if you also have extensive managerial, teaching and academic experience.
UNISA as an employer also favours candidates who have the ability to work with people from a broad background and the ability to solve complex problems.
Thus, make sure you have what it takes to apply to UNISA vacancies.
3. Web Editor
Web editors play a vital role in the sustainability of university websites. They are usually responsible for the content and images posted on the university’s website.
Just like content editors, web editors also design, research, copy and edit content from the institution’s website.
Among their responsibilities and duties are:
- Track and analyze website traffic;
- Create high-quality content;
- Edit, correct and suggest improvements to written content;
- Work with a multidisciplinary team of web designers, marketing executives and photographers;
- Use social media for a better online presence; and
- Prepare and present reports.
Do you have experience working as a web editor and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, or a similar field?
This is probably the best time for you to apply as one.
4. Professor
Looking forward to becoming a professor at one of the best higher education institutions across the country?
You don’t have to wait any longer!
UNISA is always on the lookout to hire the best professors with a high dedication to education.
If this sounds like you, then what you need to do now is learn what requirements are usually placed on candidates to apply as a professor at UNISA.
Depending on the discipline you will choose, you will need at least a master’s degree in a relevant field. However, it will be more advantageous if you have a PhD.
In addition, you should also have several years of experience in college teaching as an associate professor.
Having a publication will also increase your chances of being accepted.
5. Lecturer
UNISA lecturer vacancies are some of the most popular ones among job seekers. That is understandable considering that teaching at one of the most prestigious universities in South Africa can bring pride to those who do so.
And if you’ve been dreaming about it all along, this is your time to take action! Prepare your application and make sure that you have the following qualities to qualify as a UNISA lecturer:
- Good written and communication skills;
- Patience and understanding of the educational environment; and
- Passion for a subject.
Unfortunately, while it is true that UNISA offers the position year-round, please take the opportunity with a grain of salt.
It’s going to be a super-competitive fight, and you’ll need to be able to set yourself apart from the crowd to grab the attention of your potential employer.
And if you’ve always been struggling to do so, we have a comprehensive guide in eThekwini Municipality Learnerships that will get you ahead.
6. Executive Dean
What are the roles of an executive dean?
Generally, the executive dean is responsible for the leadership, planning, organisation, direction, and evaluation of university functions.
Furthermore, an executive dean is expected to provide outstanding management to develop the reputation of the faculty and its impact on the community.
To be considered an executive dean, you must hold a PhD in Education. Also, UNISA may require you to have experience participating in programmes that value experiential learning.
7. Technical Assistant
As a technical assistant, your role will typically require you to perform the following basic administrative tasks:
- Create e-mails;
- Print documents;
- Planning meetings;
- Answering calls; and
- Create reports.
However, a top-class technical assistant is usually also tasked with providing valuable and reliable support both in and out of the university.
Therefore, while a National Senior Certificate or Matric is sufficient to apply as one, a relevant technical certificate will take you further.
Also, proficiency in using computer programmes is one of the main qualifications that UNISA looks for in a top-class technical assistant.
8. Programme Coordinator
As a programme coordinator, your duties typically include assisting with grant planning and administration, budgeting, and/or other association transactions.
Furthermore, implementing the programmes and marketing them will also be part of your responsibility.
However, to apply as one, you must be a full-time faculty member nominated as programme coordinator by the dean.
How to Apply for UNISA Vacancies
We love how easy it is to apply to the mentioned UNISA vacancies, and we’re sure you will too.
There are two ways you can choose to apply. First, you can submit your application online by visiting the University of South Africa’s “Jobs and Careers” webpage.
Click on the available position and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Second, you can also choose to submit your application manually. In other words, UNISA accepts applications sent by post or by hand.
Whichever route you choose, make sure you have completed your application with all the necessary documents. Also, submit your application together with the UNISA application form.
Now we want to hear from you.
What position do you think you will be applying for shortly from the list of UNISA vacancies above?
Do you have what it takes to be the only candidate selected?
Either way, let us know by leaving a comment below.