Management Assistant

Overview

UP Professional and Support
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT A
POST LEVEL 10

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

To provide administrative and project administration support to the Director of the Department of Research and Innovation and interact with internal and external stakeholders in the area of research, innovation, partnerships and training.

• Managing the Director’s diary;
• Making local and international travel arrangements for the Director;
• Sending general correspondence and circulating general notices to the staff members and other stakeholders on behalf of the Director;
• Conducting project administration assistance to the Director;
• Supporting the Director with Human Resource Administration and Management of Contracts and Claims;
• Arranging departmental workshops such as strategic breakaways, DRI team-building sessions, end of year functions, etc.
• Taking minutes during the department-wide meetings and circulating reports for approval;
• Maintaining the staff data-base and ensuring records are available;
• Reporting defective furniture and ordering new furniture via the Department of Facilities Management and from external suppliers;
• Processing payments on the relevant financial system for UP-registered suppliers;
• Creating requisitions and processing invoices for the payments of suppliers on behalf of the Director;
• Coordinating and facilitating targeted ad hoc projects within the Director’s office and as directed by the Director;
• Conducting desktop research on different topics as directed by the Director;
• Performing quality assurance, for compliance purposes, on all documents (letters, memos, reports, etc.) coming into the office of the Director.

• A three-year Secretarial or Office Administration Diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution;
• At least 2-years secretarial and administrative experience;

• Knowledge of Higher education landscape;
• Knowledge of the Research environment;
• Technical competency in Microsoft office suite;
• Familiar with enterprise systems;
• Financial administration for procurement
• Internet and e-mail skills;
• Great interpersonal skills;
• Great writing skills;
• Very good communication skills;
• Team player Interpersonal skills;
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise.

• Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Finance, Accounting or Financial Management;
• Certificates in MS Office:
  Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access;
• 5 years’ experience as an Administrative Assistant;
• 3 years’ experience in project administration;
• Proofreading and editing experience;
• Related work experience in a higher education environment.

PLEASE NOTE:

All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online .ac.za, select ‘About UP’, click on ‘Career Opportunities’ and select the position to be applied for.

• Cover letter;
• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:
Mr U Nowele on email, unako.nowele.za for application-related enquiries. Dr P Makhura on email: prudence.makhura.za for post related content. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

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