Coordinator (Operations & Administration: UVA South Africa Global Office)

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a Coordinator for operations and administration in the UVA South Africa Global Office. The role involves managing office logistics, supporting academic programs, and requires a Bachelor's degree along with significant administrative experience. Proficiency in English and knowledge of Afrikaans or isiXhosa is essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in administration, management, international relations, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant administrative/project coordination experience.
• Strong IT and digital collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily office administration, scheduling, correspondence, and filing systems.
• Support student mobility, faculty exchanges, and research collaborations.
• Assist with budgeting, procurement, and expense management.

Skills

IT and digital collaboration skills

Verbal and written communication in English

Proficiency in Afrikaans and/or isiXhosa

Organisational and time-management skills

Problem-solving and adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification at NQF 7)

Tools

MS Office

Databases

Project management tools

Job description

COORDINATOR (Operations & Administration: UVA South Africa Global Office)

CENTRE FOR HUMANITIES & RESEARCH (FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES)

UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE

The Centre for Humanities Research (University of the Western Cape) is partnering with the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs (University of Virginia, USA) to establish the UVA South Africa Global Office within UWC’s Centre for Humanities Research. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing global scholarship, social justice, and innovation in higher education.

Position Details

Type of Position: 5‑year contract (renewable)

Location: University of the Western Cape Iyatsiba Lab / Cape Town, South Africa

UVA South Africa Global Office

The UVA Global Office in South Africa will serve as a hub for academic exchange, research collaboration, student mobility, and alumni engagement, deepening trans‑hemispheric links between Africa and the United States. The office provides a South African platform to:

• Foster transformative, collaborative research
• Expand mutual learning opportunities
• Engage and support UVA alumni communities across the region
• Amplify UVA’s profile in South Africa for recruiting and admissions

Role Overview

The Administrator (Coordinator) supports day‑to‑day operations of the UVA South Africa Global Office, ensuring efficient administration, logistics, and program delivery. The role reports to the Associate Professor (Senior Manager & Regional Representative) and provides administrative, financial, and stakeholder coordination support to enable strategic leadership and external engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Office Operations & Logistics
   • Manage daily office administration, scheduling, correspondence, and filing systems.
   • Coordinate logistics for events, workshops, delegations, and visits.
   • Serve as first point of contact for faculty, students, alumni, and visitors.
2. Program & Academic Support
   • Support student mobility, faculty exchanges, and research collaborations.
   • Assist with Global Classroom and virtual exchange program logistics.
   • Track participation and maintain program records for reporting.
3. Financial & Reporting Support
   • Assist with budgeting, procurement, and expense management.
   • Maintain accurate financial and administrative records.
   • Support preparation of reports for UVA, UWC, and funders.
4. Communications & Outreach
   • Draft correspondence, reports, and promotional content.
   • Maintain stakeholder databases, contact lists, and mailing lists.
5. Provide administrative support for alumni, outreach, and community engagement events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent qualification at NQF 7) in administration, management, international relations, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant administrative/project coordination experience, preferably in higher education or international programmes.
• Strong IT and digital collaboration skills (MS Office, databases, project management tools).
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Proficiency in Afrikaans and/or isiXhosa.

Additional Advantage

• Working experience in the Higher Education or NGO sector.
• Registered for a NQF Level 8 degree in a relevant field.

Required Competencies

• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Detail orientation with accuracy in record‑keeping.
• Professional interpersonal skills for engaging stakeholders.
• Problem‑solving and adaptability in dynamic settings.
• Team orientation and collaborative spirit.

Closing Date

8 December 2025