International Students Officer
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
- Midlands State University MSU
- Expires 27 Nov 2020
- Bulawayo
- Full Time
Job Description
Job Purpose
Reporting directly to the Executive Dean of the International Relations Office (IRO), the International Students Officer is responsible for international students’ welfare and experience. Apart from advising the Executive Dean on this key aspect of the IRO’s work, the International Students Officer ensures the general welfare of and gives ‘pastoral’ support to MSU international students and alumni. S/he also spearheads the IRO’s efforts to give the University’s international students a positive and memorable experience of MSU and Zimbabwe at large. His/her overall strategic goal is to ensure that MSU international students so enjoy and benefit from our University that they immediately become enthusiastic brand ambassadors for MSU.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
The International Students Officer is generally responsible for international student experience and welfare. To foster an international student-friendly environment at MSU, the International Students Officer will:
Ensure students are always well and accurately informed on all matters to do with their general welfare, studies and University Community life in general. This includes but is not limited to University calendar, Yearbook, financial matters, health and wellbeing, disability support, specific learning needs, and socio-cultural integration;
Coordinate the University Community to ensure that vision, policies and procedures pertaining to international students are adhered to at all times;
Manage social IRO media platforms;
Liaise with University Departments and Services (accommodation, academic support, Sports personnel, Catering, etc.) on matters relating to student welfare and support;
Ensure that international students with disabilities and peculiar needs are catered for by all relevant units;
Ensure the efficient running of the MSU International Student Bridging Programme each semester;
Respond promptly and appropriately to student welfare emergencies and crises;
Monitor and handle all continuing international student immigration-related issues;
Maintain a correct, detailed and up-to-date international student database clearly documenting a student’s life at MSU from initial registration to final departure;
Monitor and coordinate study programme registration of continuing international students;
Organise International Student Orientation and Familiarisation programmes;
Organise international student workshops and tours;
Coordinate all issues to do with graduating international students;
Conduct appropriate research to keep abreast with latest trends in the international student welfare and experience;
Advise the Executive Dean IRO on best practice on matters pertaining to international student welfare and experience;
Prepare and submit reports to the Executive Dean IRO and IRO meetings as required;
Serve as Committee Secretary as assigned;
Perform any other relevant duties that may be assigned by the Executive Dean
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications and Experience
A Degree in the Social Sciences or other relevant area
At least two years’ experience in an academic or administrative position involving internationalisation or work with international students
Experience in developing and delivering initiatives to enhance student experience and welfare is an added advantage
Professional skills and personal attributes
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills: ability to build a friendly but professional rapport with international students, manage them in a dynamic and efficient manner, and resolve problems swiftly, fairly and appropriately is crucial
Strong team player and team builder aptitude
Very good to excellent IT skills including data capturing and analysis ability
Ability to be creative, innovative and improvisatory
Passion for and strong grasp of the concept and agenda of internationalisation of higher and tertiary institutions as well as the national Study in Zimbabwe Programme
Knowledge and appreciation of the needs and requirements of international students
Affinity for interculturality: willingness and ability to work with an internationally diverse student and staff population and demonstrate cultural sensitivity at all times
Ability to work calmly, efficiently and effectively under pressure
Pleasant and caring personality
Firm grasp of MSU and IRO values and ethics
Social media skills
How to Apply
APPLICATIONS
Six copies of applications, giving full personal particulars including full name, place and date of birth, qualifications and copies of certificates, experience, present salary, date of availability, contact telephone number, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to:
The Deputy Registrar Human Resources
Midlands State University
P Bag 9055
GWERU
Closing date for applications is 27 November 2020 Please note that only short-listed candidates will be communicated to.
