Ombud

• Investigating complaints impartially, facilitating dialogue and informal mediation, and providing resolution options to stakeholders.
• Providing an early warning system for new areas of organisational concern, highlighting systemic issues and making recommendations for improvement.
• Preparing and delivering quarterly operational reports for the Chair of Council and the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, as well as six-monthly trend reports for Council, Audit and Risk Committee and the Social and Business Ethics Committee.
• Offering guidance on complex issues, assisting stakeholders in interpreting University governance and management documents, and referring matters to appropriate formal channels when internal avenues have not been exhausted.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality, ensuring the Office remains a safe, highly accessible space for all stakeholders, particularly those in vulnerable positions.
• Managing the Office of the Ombud, including its administrative support, budget, and strategic goals.
• Actively promoting the Office of the Ombud to create awareness of its role and services.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• An advanced degree in law, governance, conflict resolution, or a related field.
• At least ten years’ experience in mediation, ombuds functions, or dispute resolution.
• No record of compromised confidentiality, impartiality or neutrality.
• Strong understanding of governance, ethics, structures, culture, and policies in higher education.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, interpersonal, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills, combined with a strong ability to perceive, assess, and manage emotions effectively and demonstrating high emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to identify systemic trends and engage in policy analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relevant professional networks.
• Knowledge of how an Ombud functions within a university environment would be advantageous but not a prerequisite.
• Experience gained from working in a university environment in an academic role may be advantageous but not a prerequisite.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling None