Administrative Assistant in Economics Department -

Nelson Mandela University; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 150 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Gqeberha is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide effective support to the Economics Department. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, have 2-5 years of relevant experience, and be proficient in MS Office. Responsibilities include managing travel arrangements, handling correspondence, and compiling reports. Applications close on 14 November 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two to five years work-related experience within Higher Education.
• Candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective administrative support to the Economics Department.
• Facilitate all official travel and meeting arrangements.
• Manage office and respond to enquiries.
• Compile routine reports, statistics, and documentation.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Time management

Strong organisational skills

In-depth understanding of secretarial functions

Strong computer skills (MS Office)

Minute taking skills

Education

Grade 12 certificate

Tools

ITS

MS Office Suite

Job description

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To provide effective administrative support to the Economics Department.

The administrative assistant assists in the proper functioning of the office by maintaining files, scheduling appointments acting as a receptionist, typing, preparing reports, conducting correspondence, distributing information, data entry, coordinating activities.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Perform administrative processes and type documentation/ letters/reports/ agendas and minutes to effectively support the work of the department.
• Facilitate all official travel and ensure all necessary arrangements are made for meetings to be held out of the office.
• Provide front office support, manage office and respond to enquiries
• Prepare documents by collating available documentation etc.
• Enters information into spreadsheets &/or databases
• Compiles routine reports, statistics, tables, charts, etc. from readily available information.
• Coordinate calendar – line manager's’ or departmental or functions and meetings
• Coordinates all aspects of meetings, workshops, conferences and teleconferences, informing staff and external stakeholders timeously of the events for arranging meetings and circulating documentation or Coordinates travel arrangements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• In-depth understanding of secretarial and administrative functions within the HE environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Minute taking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• The ability to use own initiative.
• A good code of ethics and of maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong computer skills (ITS, MS Office (word, excel, power point, publisher), Internet, e-mail, etc.)
• Budgeting and financial management skills.
• Time management.
• Strong organisational skills.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered for appointment to this post, candidates should possess a grade 12 certificate.

A minimum of two to five years work-related experience within Higher Education, in which competency has been gained.

Candidate must have a valid Drivers license.

DISCLAIMER

Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University's employment equity targets.

No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday, 14 November 2025.