Senior HEMIS Officer

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUITONAL PLANNING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION

SENIOR HEMIS OFFICER

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 6

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.

The successful candidate will provide expert leadership in the management, analysis, and use of student data in accordance with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) specifications, while advancing the University's strategic and operational objectives through data-driven insights.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing, developing, managing, and continuously optimising the student HEMIS database in accordance with DHET regulations and reporting frameworks;
• Leading quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of student data, including validation of academic plan-module combinations and full-time equivalent (FTE) calculations;
• Managing the end-to-end process of student HEMIS data submissions, including preparing for DHET submissions and facilitating internal and external audits;
• Interpreting DHET policy frameworks, subsidy formulas, and funding mechanisms to assess and model the financial implications for the University;
• Advising senior management, deans, and institutional stakeholders on trends, anomalies, and policy-aligned responses in student and subsidy data;
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., academic departments, finance, IT, student administration) to enhance data workflows and data governance practices;
• Staying abreast of national and global developments in higher education funding, data standards, and regulatory compliance, including active participation in forums such as SAAIR and HEMIS user groups.

MMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Baccalaureus degree in Information Technology, Statistics and/or Computer Science with at least:
  • A minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience in Computer Science, Information Systems, Database Management or a related field;
  • At least 4 years' relevant experience within a higher education institution;
  • Advanced knowledge of DHET HEMIS specifications, subsidy and full-time equivalent calculations, together with advanced proficiency in database management, SQL, data analysis, and reporting tools.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of University structure and regulations;
• Knowledge of higher education environment;
• Knowledge of HEMIS;
• Knowledge of DHET's HEMIS prescriptions and how the University's data should be adapted and presented to meet the requirements;
• Knowledge of the DHET's Valpac software on which subsidy submissions need to be done. Continuously update the software as amendments are made;
• Knowledge of the DHET audit requirements and circulars in order to lead and perform a successful audit;
• Computer skills on several applications (Valpac, Excel, Word, Access, PeopleSoft and SQL programming).
• Language skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Analytical thinking;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Professionalism;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Interpret and analyse prescriptions;
• Render work outputs within tight timelines;
• Insight and sensitivity for information as asset of the University as well as its confidentiality;
• Knowledge of procedures at various faculties and divisions in order to be able to correctly interpret statistics.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8 in Information Technology, Statistics and/or Computer Science;
• Experience in institutional research, data analytics, business intelligence or higher education planning;
• Participation in relevant professional structures or communities of practice, such as SAAIR and HEMIS user groups.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• Cover letter;
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 15 September 2026

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

Dr Hossein Masoumi Karakani, ***email_hidden*** for post related content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 December 2026, 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 may 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.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.