Admin Assistant: Emerging Researchers at NRF National Research Foundation

Position Summary:
The National Research Foundation seeks to appoint an Administrative Assistant within Next Generations and Emerging Researchers Directorate.

Key Responsibilities:

1. General office administration
2. Preparing, submitting, capturing, and tracking invoices and payments, and other financial information
3. Proactively managing the Director’s and Professional Officer’s calendars
4. Documents, data and records management
5. Supporting the directorate in the implementation of projects in a matrix environment
6. Organising workshops and meetings (physical or virtual) including taking minutes
7. Arranging logistics (flights, accommodation, car hire) for local and international travel
8. Handling and processing communication to the office (e.g., e-mail, telephone, mail)
9. Liaising with internal and external stakeholders
10. Collating and distributing reports

Minimum Qualification:

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate / National Certificate / Vocational 4 / N3 N4 N5 / NQF 4

Minimum Experience:

• 1-5 years
• National Diploma in Administration or related field
• 2 – 5 years appropriate operational and administration experience
• Proven experience as office assistant, virtual assistant or in another relevant administrative role

Experience:

• Proven competency in the use of MS Office suite, particularly with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Proven competency in the use of virtual platforms (MS Teams, Zoom, Skype)
• Ability to interact professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Ability to manage time and to work under pressure
• Ability to work independently and within teams

Knowledge:

• Good financial administration / procurement experience
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Analytical abilities and aptitude in problem-solving

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and applying online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The NRF is a well-established organisation that is highly networked within the knowledge system, nationally and internationally. It is the principal organisation responsible for promoting the national research enterprise and is the primary public funder of postgraduate students and researchers and provider of research infrastructure in the country. It has well-developed, best-practice research evaluation and support systems.