International Student Coordinator Southern Africa II Regional Office

SOS Children’s Villages is an international social development organisation, focusing on the care and support of orphans and vulnerable children. We support families and communities to build the capacity to protect and care for their children, through our Family Strengthening Programmes. Where children have already lost the care of their biological family, we offer long-term family-based care through our SOS Children’s Villages. In these ways, we support orphans and vulnerable children to be able to grow in a caring family environment.

International Student Coordinator
Southern Africa II Regional Office

We seek a dedicated and communicative person with an education background who is able and willing to organise his/her work in an autonomous and flexible way.

The International Student Coordinator’s major role is to ensure the well-being of tertiary students from across Africa and the Middle East who have been entrusted to the care of the Regional Office, whilst undertaking tertiary studies at South African universities. This includes supporting and monitoring the academic progress of students and building a positive study ethic amongst the student population. Also, to guide semi-independent living scenarios and prepare students with the mindset for the transition to employment and self-sustainability.

You will have 3-5 years’ experience in education or a related field. Your understanding and experience of the non-profit sector/SOS Children’s Villages or similar organisations is desirable but not essential. You should be able to work effectively in a multi-site organisation with a matrix structure and in a geographically dispersed team.

A qualification in Education with experience in tertiary educational settings is highly recommended. Well-developed facilitation, group leadership and presentation skills, and an ability to communicate effectively with partners and all levels of staff and students are critical. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and your ability to converse in another Continental language (Portuguese, French, Aramaic) would be an added advantage. Sound judgement, a broad view, a strategic outlook, good problem-solving skills, a business-minded approach, enthusiasm and a passion for people development are characteristics we will be looking for from you. Ethical standards, integrity, objectivity, confidence and the ability to gain the trust and respect of peers and students are paramount.

Closing date for applications is 21 October 2011.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.