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 is 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 range of cultures from 50 African countries.
Position: The IIE MSA, Ruimsig Campus in Roodepoort has a vacancy for an Intellectual Integrity Officer (Independent Contractor).
Role Overview: 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, maintaining meticulous records, and 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 while adhering to policy requirements.
Evaluation and Decision-Making
- Receive and evaluate assessments flagged for plagiarism/academic dishonesty/unethical use of AI, determining appropriate penalties while focusing on upskilling the students in a supportive manner.
- 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, compliant with 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 cases of intentional academic dishonesty and/or repeat plagiarism offences, refer the cases to the Campus Disciplinary Officer (CDO) for disciplinary investigation, 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 support workshops.
- Provide training and support to the academic lecturing team in effectively promoting academic honesty in the classroom 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.
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:
- This is an Independent Contractor role.
- 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, 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.
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.
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