Curriculum Development Specialist Job Vacancy in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – Education

Job Description

Position: Curriculum Development Specialist

Company: University of KwaZulu-Natal

Location: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Experience: 5+ years in curriculum design and development

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field; Master’s preferred

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Education

Department: Academic Affairs

Salary: ZAR 350,000 – ZAR 500,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a leading public university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement across South Africa. With campuses in Durban, Westville, and Pietermaritzburg, UKZN serves a diverse student body and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. As a dynamic institution, UKZN continuously invests in curriculum enhancement to meet global standards and local industry needs, making it a premier destination for career growth in the education sector. This role contributes directly to the university’s mission of delivering high‑quality education and fostering lifelong learning, positioning you at the heart of South Africa Jobs that shape the future of higher education.

Job Overview

The Curriculum Development Specialist will lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of academic programmes within the Faculty of Education and allied departments. Reporting to the Head of Academic Affairs, you will collaborate with subject matter experts, faculty members, and industry partners to create innovative, competency‑based curricula that align with national qualifications frameworks and international best practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the educational landscape, support faculty development, and enhance student outcomes, reinforcing UKZN’s reputation as a top employer for Jobs in South Africa. For more information about our institution, visit our main website at https://southafricajobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end curriculum development cycle, including needs analysis, learning outcomes definition, content sequencing, and assessment strategy design.
• Collaborate with academic staff to integrate emerging technologies, digital resources, and innovative pedagogical approaches into course designs.
• Ensure all curricula comply with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) standards and accreditation requirements.
• Conduct regular curriculum reviews and updates based on stakeholder feedback, industry trends, and research findings.
• Develop and deliver faculty workshops on curriculum design, instructional design, and assessment best practices.
• Coordinate with the Institutional Research Office to analyse programme performance data and recommend improvements.
• Prepare comprehensive curriculum documentation, including programme handbooks, module guides, and assessment rubrics.
• Support the creation of interdisciplinary programmes that address regional development priorities and global challenges.

Required Skills

• Strong expertise in instructional design models such as ADDIE, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and competency‑based education.
• Excellent analytical and research skills to assess educational needs and evaluate curriculum effectiveness.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) and e‑learning authoring tools (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, Articulate).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for drafting curriculum documents and presenting to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with academic staff, administrators, and external partners.
• Project management experience, including timeline development, resource allocation, and stakeholder coordination.
• Knowledge of South African higher education policies, accreditation processes, and quality assurance frameworks.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Curriculum Studies, Instructional Design, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or higher is strongly preferred, especially with a focus on higher education curriculum development or educational technology.

Experience

Applicants must have at least five years of proven experience in curriculum design, instructional development, or academic programme management within a tertiary education setting or comparable organization. Experience in leading interdisciplinary projects and working with accreditation bodies will be considered an advantage.

Salary

The successful candidate will receive a competitive annual salary ranging from ZAR 350,000 to ZAR 500,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary reviews are conducted annually in line with university policies and market benchmarks.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical aid and pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave and study leave entitlements.
• Professional development allowance for conferences, certifications, and further studies.
• Access to university facilities including libraries, sports complexes, and wellness programmes.
• Employee assistance programmes supporting work‑life balance.

Training

• Orientation programme covering university policies, LMS platforms, and academic governance.
• Ongoing workshops on emerging pedagogies, digital learning tools, and curriculum analytics.
• Mentorship opportunities with senior academic leaders and external education consultants.

Working Environment

The role is based at the Pietermaritzburg campus, offering a vibrant academic community, modern office spaces, and collaborative work areas. You will benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation, diversity, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where ideas thrive and professional growth is encouraged.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the University of KwaZulu-Natal careers portal, attaching a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining relevant experience, and a portfolio of curriculum projects. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview followed by a practical curriculum design exercise.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our mission of advancing education in South Africa.