Manager: International Relations
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a leading institution in African Scholarship and global engagement. The Corporate Relations Division seeks to appoint an experienced and forward-thinking professional to the position of Manager: International Relations. This strategic role is key to enhancing the University’s internationalisation agenda, expanding institutional partnerships, and supporting mobility and international student services.
The successful candidate will be responsible for advancing UKZN’s global partnerships portfolio, managing bilateral and multilateral agreements, and supporting both outbound and inbound mobility. The role also oversees international student support and plays a critical role in strengthening UKZN’s presence in global higher education networks and associations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will be required to:
- Develop and implement UKZN’s internationalisation strategy in line with institutional goals.
- Manage international partnerships, agreements, and collaboration frameworks, including due diligence and implementation oversight.
- Support inbound and outbound student mobility programmes, including Erasmus , university-wide exchanges, and short-term study abroad schemes.
- Provide operational leadership for international student support services, including orientation, integration, and liaison with key units such as student services and academic administration.
- Coordinate institutional support for international visitors, academic delegations, and diplomatic engagements.
- Represent UKZN in relevant national, regional, and international education forums and associations.
- Lead a team responsible for international relations, mobility coordination, and international student support.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant immigration regulations and international education policies.
- Manage internationalisation events, strategic reporting, and stakeholder engagement across Colleges and Divisions.
Minimum requirements
- A relevant Honours and or Postgraduate qualification (NQF8), in International Relations, Global Studies, Higher Education, or a related field.
- A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in international higher education, global engagement, or international partnership development, with at least two (2) years in a leadership or managerial role focused on internationalisation or international relations.
- Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating Erasmus programmes or equivalent mobility frameworks.
- Proven understanding of global higher education trends, internationalisation policies, and regulatory environments.
- Knowledge of immigration regulations, including study permits, visa requirements, and student compliance issues.
- Experience in international student support and managing stakeholder relations across institutional and national levels.
- Experience in developing and implementing international academic programmes (e.g. summer/winter schools), including coordination and, where applicable, sourcing of funding.
- A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and to work after hours and over weekends as required.
KEY COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES
- Familiarity with the work of international education associations such as IEASA, NAFSA, EAIE, and their regional counterparts.
- Strong understanding of international student needs, mobility processes, and integration mechanisms within higher education institutions.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic global partnerships and navigate intercultural contexts with sensitivity and diplomacy.
- Proficiency in drafting and managing international agreements, memoranda of understanding, and collaboration frameworks.
- Sound knowledge of institutional processes related to internationalisation policy and implementation.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional leadership capabilities.
- Team-oriented approach with the ability to lead and develop a diverse and high-performing team.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 07 July 2025
Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paperbased formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.
Benefits
Appointment to this post will be on the January 2018 Conditions of Service. The remuneration package offered includes benefits.
