6 Academic Support jobs in South Africa

Optimi is looking for highly motivated individuals with good communication skills to join the team as Academic Support Administrators. The ideal candidates should be able to work in a fast-paced environment, be a team player and have an approachable personality.

REQUIREMENTS

• Grade 12.
• Administration and Client Services Qualification.
• A minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Be proficient in English, both verbal and written communication.
• Must be assertive.

DUTIES

• Export class lists on Power BI.
• Add students to their classes.
• Assist with IOS supplementary exams by receiving declaration forms and adding student names on Microsoft Teams for the supplementary exam sessions.
• Handle all client enquiries on Zoho for Academic operations.
• Add students and invigilators to Microsoft Teams.
• Assist teachers with queries.
• Update class lists.
• Activate email addresses.

This position is in Centurion.

Should you not receive a call from us in 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Direct Reporting Line:

Head Academic

Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The IIE enjoys the reputation of being at the forefront of private higher education in South Africa, and is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to provide higher education qualifications accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The IIE's Varsity College, Sandton Campus has a vacancy for an Academic Support Co-ordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Academic Department Administrative Support

• Responsible for the day-to-day administrative support of the campus Academic department across all School/s and Programmes.
• Compiles, manages and distributes academic reports as required by the campus Academic School/s.
• Captures student notes in the academic system as and when required.
• Collaborates with other members of the Academic team (and other departments where applicable) to prepare for, and meet the requirements of the campus PULSE and Groups Internal Audits.
• Provides academic and administrative support during the campus registration period, including calling for student retention initiatives.
• Supports the Head: Academic with the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SETS) requirements.
• Attends the Academic department meetings and records minutes at these meetings when required.
• Assists with student disciplinary hearings as and when required.
• Meets project deadlines as determined by the National office and/or the Head: Academic

Independent Contractor (Lecturer) Administration Management

• Responsible for the day-to-day administrative management of the campus Lecturing (Independent Contractor) team within the relevant School/s.
• Supports the Programme Manager/s in managing the Lecturers and addresses or directs their queries timeously and accurately.
• Monitors the lecturer's administrative performance, for example: the timeous submission of timesheets and documentation aligned with audit requirements and company policy.
• Captures information on the Direct Academic Student Engagement (DASE) tracker and ensures that this tracker is kept up-to-date and accurate at all times.
• Manages lecturing loads by way of module allocations i.e. Direct Academic Student Engagement tracking (DASE/non-DASE) to ensure the permissible maximum hours are adhered to and are not exceeded.
• Proactively monitors the Direct Academic Student Engagement (DASE) tracker and reports any Lecturers nearing the maximum permissible hourly allocation to the Head: Academic and relevant Programme Manager/s immediately to ensure that the hours are managed carefully thereafter and not exceeded.
• Manages and notifies the relevant lecturers of any changes that may affect their designated programmes.
• Collaborates with the relevant parties (Head: Academic, Programme Managers and the Junior HR Officer: Academic) to advertise campus Lecturer vacancies.
• Provides first line screening support of Lecturer applications and sets up interviews for shortlisted candidates.
• Attends mock lectures where required as part of the candidate screening process.
• Applies for Academic (Classification of Educational Subject Matter: CESM) approval on the HR & Payroll System to determine what module/s each Independent Contractor is approved to lecture on, and ensures that approvals are awarded by the Central Academic Team (CAT) prior to giving the Junior HR Officer: Academic the details to draw up the relevant Independent Contractor Agreements and related Annexures.
• Collaborates with the Junior HR Officer: Academic on the Lecturer appointment process to ensure that the process is streamlined and all audit and policy/process requirements are met prior to any Independent Contractor Agreements being issued or work being offered or carried out.
• Provides the Junior HR Officer: Academic with the relevant lecturing schedules needed to complete the Independent Contractor Agreements and associated Annexures.
• First level approver for the Lecturer timesheet approval process on the HR & Payroll system.
• Collaborates with the campus Capacity Planning and Timetabling Centre to fulfil the timesheet approval function and checks timeously in the HR & Payroll system on a monthly basis in accordance with the payroll deadlines to ensure that all timesheets are approved and any queries are resolved before the timesheet cut off date.
• Works with the Academic Department in driving lecturer evaluations.
• Keeps in constant communication with the Capacity Planning and Timetabling Centre to inform them of module allocation and Lecturer details so that they can set up the relevant VCConnect email addresses and account details timeously.
• Ensures that all new Lecturers are invited to attend the semester Induction and Orientation sessions as part of their onboarding process.

Campus Synergy and General

• Assists the Academic department with the co-ordination of academic workshops when required.
• Assists in identifying at risk students and lecturers and directs academic related queries to the relevant Academic team member timeously.
• Liaises with the Capacity Planning and Timetabling Centre and manages the Programme Managers class visit schedule on a regular basis.
• Addresses queries with the relevant National office Academic Support team members, and rolls-out directives or projects as and when required.
• Collaborates with all departments on campus to facilitate optimal performance within the portfolio or scope of duties.
• Complies with The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) legislation relevant to the role.

Competencies Required:

• Advanced administrative and organisational skills
• Computer and system proficiency
• Problem solving skills
• Advanced communication
• Time management & prioritisation skills
• Best suited to a friendly, organised and methodical person who works accurately and is able to handle pressure.

Qualification Requirements:

• Minimum of a National Diploma/Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6). However, candidates in their final year of their studies (NQF Level 6) who are currently employed at the company will also be considered for the role.
• Advanced Diploma or Degree (NQF Level 7) advantageous.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of two years administrative experience, ideally within a tertiary academic environment.

Working Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 -17:00

Salary:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
• Staff and family discounts on educational programs within our brand portfolio.
• Incentive bonus structure based on performance and achievement of goals.
• Provident fund contributions, including Death & Funeral Cover, to support your financial well-being and future planning.
• Birthday vouchers to celebrate your special day.
• Competitive annual leave allowance for well-deserved time off and rejuvenation.

Application Response:

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, please note that personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.

Technical Support:

• Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance :

The IIE Varsity College, IIE Vega and IIE MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. However, preference may be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act. The company reserves the right to close or place the vacancy on hold at any time, without prior notice.

Location: Cape Town

Working Practices: Hybrid | Mondays and Thursday in office and remaining days remote

Contract Type: 6-month Fixed-Term Contract

Working Hours: 07H00 - 15H30 SAST

Reports to: Team Leader - Student Services

Job summary:

The Student Services Advisor will be responsible for a range of basic administrative functions contributing to the effective services of students across Higher Education and VET programs.

The role will entail primarily data entry into the student management systems and responding to student queries but will also involve a degree of initiative to support the Student Services team.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Services Processes

• Provide general advice to staff and students about:

• student and course related policy, procedures and regulations

• enrolment options, student administration processes and timelines,

• basic course advice and progression

• Assist with the professional and timely processing of:

• Requests for Amendment to Enrolment, Course Withdrawals, Leave of Absence, re-enrolment

• Cross faculty requests

• Personal detail change requests

• Participate in ongoing training and development to ensure understanding and proficiency across all student services areas

• Quality assurance- ensure all enrolments meet the requirements of the University policy

Customer Service

• Ensure all enquiries are acknowledged and promptly responded to according to an agreed Service Level Agreement ensuring excellent customer service
• Deliver high-quality processes that deliver exemplary service performance.

Planning, Coordination and Support

• As required support the wider student operations to provide an exceptional student experience.
• Assist with student progression, exams, results, and any other cyclical student process across Higher Education and VET

Key Relationships:

Internal

• Student Services
• Student Advisors
• Course consultants

External

• Students

What does success look like?

• A high-level of student satisfaction, success and engagement as evidenced through student satisfaction surveys
• Timely and quality completion of administrative tasks to support the student experience as per a Service Level Agreement.
• The ability to identify and report on issues affecting students and the capacity to propose strategies that will help to resolve them.
• Ability to actively demonstrate the Company's values.

• Able to thrive in a high performing and values-based environment .
• Demonstrated ability to positively contribute to the development of a culture that maximises employee and student engagement.
• A solution-focused attitude to problem solving.
• Demonstrated experience in an administrative role which required coordination of a range of functions and provision of advice about, and interpretation of, policies and procedures, preferably in a tertiary education institution.
• A demonstrated commitment to exemplary customer service principles and the ability to be flexible and responsive to customer needs.
• Evidence of being a hands-on self-starter with a solution-focused attitude to problem solving.
• Demonstrated high level computer literacy including the use of e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and the demonstrated capacity to learn new programs.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to facilitate the provision of advice and support required by both staff and students.
• Excellent written communication skills and an eye for detail.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in a team environment.
• Tertiary qualification, or substantial progress towards the completion of a tertiary qualification is highly desired.

About OES

OES is a vibrant and values-led organisation, and we are passionate about enhancing lives through education. We work with university partners, training institutes, and professional bodies worldwide, to develop and enable immersive and engaging learning experiences. We empower our teams to be student-focused, innovative, and embrace change with a growth mindset to ensure we achieve our vision of being the world's most impactful enabler of education. We encourage our people to grow and develop through teamwork and a diverse range of projects, programs and challenging work. We trust our people to deliver, so when you work with OES, you will join a team who are empowered to impact every day.

Company Culture & Values

We are a people-focused organization with a culture built around collaboration, connection, and working together toward one common goal. Our vibrant, values-led culture is grounded in four core principles that guide everything we do:

Passion and Perseverance: We love what we do (even though it's not always easy) and take pride in creating transformative learning experiences. We bring a 'can-do' attitude to our work, tackling challenges and inspiring others.

Teamwork: We operate as cross-functional teams globally with trust and respect, celebrating success. We have fun while we work and enjoy collaborating with each other and OES partners.

Agility and Innovation: We are innovative, lateral thinkers who use our skills to do things better for our students. We thrive in ambiguity, embrace change and challenge conventional thinking.

Integrity: We do what's right, and what we say we will do, every time. We value a culture of respectful feedback and believe that respect trumps harmony. 

These are some of the perks you can expect when you join the team:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Medical allowance
• Commute allowance
• Flexible work for genuine career-life fit
• A healthy and supportive company culture
• Generous annual leave
• Paid maternity and paternity benefits
• Study leave
• Professional development and mentoring
• Construct Culture Club events
• Company funded lunch and drinks every 6 weeks

*Policy T&Cs apply for certain benefits

Location: Cape Town
Working Practices: Hybrid | Mondays and Thursday in office and remaining days remote
Contract Type: 6-month Fixed-Term Contract
Working Hours: 07H00 - 15H30 SAST
Reports to: Team Leader - Student Services
Job summary:
The Student Services Advisor will be responsible for a range of basic administrative functions contributing to the effective services of students across Higher Education and VET programs.

The role will entail primarily data entry into the student management systems and responding to student queries but will also involve a degree of initiative to support the Student Services team.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Services Processes

• Provide general advice to staff and students about:

• student and course related policy, procedures and regulations

• enrolment options, student administration processes and timelines,

• basic course advice and progression

• Assist with the professional and timely processing of:

• Requests for Amendment to Enrolment, Course Withdrawals, Leave of Absence, re-enrolment

• Cross faculty requests
• Personal detail change requests
• Participate in ongoing training and development to ensure understanding and proficiency across all student services areas
• Quality assurance- ensure all enrolments meet the requirements of the University policy

Customer Service

• Ensure all enquiries are acknowledged and promptly responded to according to an agreed Service Level Agreement ensuring excellent customer service
• Deliver high-quality processes that deliver exemplary service performance

Planning, Coordination and Support

• As required support the wider student operations to provide an exceptional student experience.
• Assist with student progression, exams, results, and any other cyclical student process across Higher Education and VET

Key Relationships:
Internal

• Student Services
• Student Advisors
• Course consultants

External

• Students

What does success look like?

• A high-level of student satisfaction, success and engagement as evidenced through student satisfaction surveys
• Timely and quality completion of administrative tasks to support the student experience as per a Service Level Agreement
• The ability to identify and report on issues affecting students and the capacity to propose strategies that will help to resolve them
• Ability to actively demonstrate the Company's values

Requirements

• Able to thrive in a high performing and values-based environment
• Demonstrated ability to positively contribute to the development of a culture that maximises employee and student engagement
• A solution-focused attitude to problem solving
• Demonstrated experience in an administrative role which required coordination of a range of functions and provision of advice about, and interpretation of, policies and procedures, preferably in a tertiary education institution
• A demonstrated commitment to exemplary customer service principles and the ability to be flexible and responsive to customer needs
• Evidence of being a hands-on self-starter with a solution-focused attitude to problem solving
• Demonstrated high level computer literacy including the use of e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications and the demonstrated capacity to learn new programs
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to facilitate the provision of advice and support required by both staff and students
• Excellent written communication skills and an eye for detail
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in a team environment
• Tertiary qualification, or substantial progress towards the completion of a tertiary qualification is highly desired

Benefits
About OES
OES is a vibrant and values-led organisation, and we are passionate about enhancing lives through education. We work with university partners, training institutes, and professional bodies worldwide, to develop and enable immersive and engaging learning experiences. We empower our teams to be student-focused, innovative, and embrace change with a growth mindset to ensure we achieve our vision of being the world's most impactful enabler of education. We encourage our people to grow and develop through teamwork and a diverse range of projects, programs and challenging work. We trust our people to deliver, so when you work with OES, you will join a team who are empowered to impact every day.

Company Culture & Values
We are a people-focused organization with a culture built around collaboration, connection, and working together toward one common goal. Our vibrant, values-led culture is grounded in four core principles that guide everything we do:

Passion and Perseverance:
We love what we do (even though it's not always easy) and take pride in creating transformative learning experiences. We bring a 'can-do' attitude to our work, tackling challenges and inspiring others.

Teamwork:
We operate as cross-functional teams globally with trust and respect, celebrating success. We have fun while we work and enjoy collaborating with each other and OES partners.

Agility and Innovation:
We are innovative, lateral thinkers who use our skills to do things better for our students. We thrive in ambiguity, embrace change and challenge conventional thinking.

Integrity
: We do what's right, and what we say we will do, every time. We value a culture of respectful feedback and believe that respect trumps harmony.

These are some of the perks you can expect when you join the team:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Medical allowance
• Commute allowance
• Flexible work for genuine career-life fit
• A healthy and supportive company culture
• Generous annual leave
• Paid maternity and paternity benefits
• Study leave
• Professional development and mentoring
• Construct Culture Club events
• Company funded lunch and drinks every 6 weeks
• Policy T&Cs apply for certain benefits

• To lead and manage the Planning, Implementation and Provision of Comprehensive Primary Health Care, the management of HIV & AIDS, Health Promotion services within the University. Provide effective leadership and oversight of the managerial function in the Student Health Services Clinics within the University. These should be conducted within the context of current and emerging diseases and infections nationally and globally.

• Direct the provision of health care to all NMU students in accordance with institutional policies, National legislation and guidelines.
• Direct the establishment of new and updating of current Policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures pertaining to the health and wellbeing of students at the institution.
• Direct the growth, development and expansion of the Human resource management.
• Direct the Finances of the department ensuring good governance and continued monitoring their off.
• Direct the departments work procedures while ensuring quality service delivery to students.
• Provide sector specific leadership through Consultancy, expertise sharing and negotiating ensuring the expansion, development and continued growth of the department.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Health promotion practices Health promotion programmingHealth services management

• Primary Health care practiceRelevant Legislation Interpersonal relationships

• Communication (oral and written) Decision Making Project management

• Report writing Computer literacy Time management
• Presentation skills
• Management of emergencies
• Innovation

• Hons. Degree in Nursing, a Masters degree would be an added advantage.
• A Management qualification would be an added advantage.
• 6 - 8 years relevant management experience as a professional nurse in a primary health care clinic, hospital, and or academic institution.
• Further certificates in adult clinical care, family planning, sexually transmitted diseases, ARV management, TB management and health care management.
• A valid drivers license with own transport is essential.

DISCLAIMER:Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University's employment equity targets. No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday, 26 September 2025.