Lecturer/Researcher: Academic Literacy Coordinator : Academic Language and Literacy Development at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Teach an Education academic literacy module (including online and/or blended learning format).
• Design appropriate formative and summative assessments within the Academic Literacy Programme / module.
• Mark assessments and provide feedback to students.
• Design learning and teaching materials for use by facilitators within the Academic Literacy Programme.
• Use various communication platforms to communicate with students and facilitators.
• Manage the implementation and student support of the M-Reader and iCAN extensive reading programmes for own cohort.
• Present academic writing workshops and consultations for students and consultation sessions in the writing centre (online and/or face-to-face).
• Coordinate and ensure quality within the Academic Literacy Programme through facilitator evaluation and moderation, as well as student module evaluation.
• Conduct research into students’ academic literacy needs.
• Research and analyse global trends in English for academic purposes as they relate to key strategic imperatives.
• Produce 1 (one) research output per year in the form of a conference paper and/or article publication.
• Create and nurture a culture of inquiry, research and evidence-based practice within the ALLD.
• Coordinate academic literacy modules for the Education faculty (including online and/or blended learning format).
• Monitor student performance in literacy modules for the Education faculty and intervene as needed in collaboration with ALLD staff.
• Oversee all administration related to the academic literacy modules, including (but not limited to) class attendance and student marks.
• Coordinate and manage academic facilitators within the Academic Literacy Programme (including meetings, performance management etc.).
• Organise and present training to assist facilitators in the academic literacy module on a continuous basis.
• Monitor the quality of appointments in academic literacy modules for the Education Faculty and intervene where necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective interaction between faculties and the ALLD.
• Assist with the development of mentorship initiatives in the ALLD.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD in English/ Applied Linguistics/ Education/ a related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment).
• OR
• A Master’s degree in English/ Applied Linguistics/ Education/ a related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD in English/ Applied Linguistics/ Education/ a related discipline on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Provide evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.
• Proven experience in teaching in the field of academic literacy OR English language in the higher education sector.

Recommendations:

• Proven coordination of teaching and learning activities in Higher Education.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the field of academic literacy OR English language in the higher education sector.
• Proven experience in curriculum design, materials writing and assessment of student learning.
• Experience in consulting in a university writing centre.
• Experience in desktop and field research.
• Qualification in TEFL, TESOL or related course.
• Experience in the use of Learning Management Systems e.g. Blackboard/ Moodle/ Sakai/ Canvas.

Competencies
Key Competencies:

Results oriented.

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• Proven experience in the use of a learning management system (LMS e.g. Blackboard)
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• Facilitation experience (online and face-to-face).

Leading.

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building coalitions

• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.