Direct Reporting Line:
Head of Academic

IIE MSA, since April 2019 we are part of The Independent Institution of Education (The IIE), a leader in the higher education sphere. The IIE is internationally recognised by the British Accreditation Council. IIE MSA, located on a 100-hectare campus in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, in the province of Gauteng. In addition to domestic (South African) students, IIE MSA is home to a diverse of cultures of students from 50 African countries.
The IIE MSA, Ruimsig Campus in Roodepoort has a vacancy of Intellectual Integrity Officer (Independent Contractor) position.
The Intellectual Integrity Officer (IIO) is responsible for investigating and managing academic integrity cases across all faculties, ensuring adherence to institutional policies, and promoting a culture of academic integrity and honesty. This role involves evaluating assessments flagged by lecturers for suspected academic dishonesty, which involves thorough interrogation of the assessment and maintaining meticulous records while collaborating with lecturers and students throughout the investigation.

Key Performance Areas
The ideal candidate should demonstrate an in-depth understanding of intellectual integrity, plagiarism and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). This role requires strong analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and proficiency in navigating administrative tools and platforms. Equally important is the ability to engage with flagged students with sensitivity and understanding yet adhering to policy requirements.

Evaluation and Decision-Making

• Receive and evaluate assessments flagged for plagiarism / academic dishonesty / unethical use of AI, to determine appropriate penalties, but with particular focus on upskilling the errant students in a supportive and developmental manner. The goal is to effectively educate and develop the students, so that they do not continue to plagiarise, leading to higher level offences.
• Evaluate the nature of the academic transgression, in relation to the assessment instruction, within the parameters of relevant institutional policies and procedures.
• Utilise similarity and AI detector tools, such as Turnitin, for thorough analysis of assignments and interpretation of reports, noting inconsistencies and preparing summaries of findings for further investigations.

Workflow Management

• Maintain accurate records on MS Excel trackers, and other institutional academic tracking systems.
• Select the appropriate prescribed communication to be sent to the student, stipulating dates for resubmission and academic integrity development intervention.
• Ensure accurate communication is sent to relevant stakeholders, within the stipulated deadlines and compliant to relevant policies, including the POPI Act.
• Liaise with the Academic Support Coordinators in flagging errant students on the institutional administrative system.
• Track that the re-submissions have taken place.
• In the case of intentional academic dishonesty and/or repeat plagiarism offences, refer the cases to the Campus Disciplinary Officer (CDO) for disciplinary investigation, which requires compiling comprehensive case evidence binders with detailed history and supporting documents.
• Track consistency of academic integrity policy adherence across all faculties.

Training and Development

• Liaise with the Teaching and Learning Specialist in promoting Intellectual Integrity across the campus.
• Liaise with the Information Specialists and Writing Centre Student Consultants in coordinating and implementing academic writing, referencing and intellectual integrity student support and workshops across faculties.
• Liaise with the academic lecturing team by providing training and support in effectively promoting academic honesty in the classroom but also identifying and managing academic dishonesty.
• Provide intellectual integrity and academic writing support to students (individually or in groups) to correct and prepare flagged assignments for resubmission. These developmental sessions focus on accessing credible resources, analysing and synthesizing information, paraphrasing, referencing and ethical use of AI. This support is captured on the student intervention tracker.

Competencies and skills required;

• Well-developed academic writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS office (specifically MS Excel), data tracking, PDF compilers and document management.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with students, lecturers, and administrators.
• Strong administration skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret academic tools and reports.
• Skilled in utilizing similarity and AI detector platforms (e.g. Turnitin) to screen and evaluate flagged assessments.
• Proficiency in academic/learning management systems and understanding of academic integrity policies.
• Tertiary lecturing and marking experience would be an advantage.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• At least a Bachelor's degree (NQF 7)

Working Conditions:

• Please note that this is an Independent Contractor role
• Owing to the volume of CVs received, we may not be able to personally contact all applicants. Only individuals whose qualifications and skills most closely match the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.
• Preference will be given to South African Citizens and Permanent Residents of South Africa in possession of proof of permanent resident status.

Application Response:

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, please note that personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.

Technical Support:

• Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance: https://hire.simplify.hr/Contact Us

The IIE's MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. However, preference will be given to previously underrepresented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act.