NRF Grants Coordinator

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Pretoria is seeking an NRF Grants Coordinator for a three-year contract. The role involves financial management, compliance oversight, and stakeholder engagement for externally funded research projects. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have substantial experience in grant management and financial oversight. This position offers an all-inclusive remuneration package as per the university’s policy guidelines.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in grant management, financial oversight, or related field.
• Experience in compliance reporting and audit responses.

Responsibilities

• Monitor financial aspects during the setup of newly awarded grants.
• Oversee finances of grant-funded research projects.
• Prepare compliance reports and documentation for funding agencies.

Skills

Financial management

Compliance reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication

Analytical abilities

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related

National diploma in Business Administration, Finance, or related

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Grant management software

PeopleSoft Financial System

Job description

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

NRF GRANTS COORDINATOR (THREE-YEAR CONTRACT)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8

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.

Job Purpose

The incumbent will attend to financial management, compliance and administrative oversight of externally funded grants and research projects at the University of Pretoria. Monitor finances, regulatory adherence, and stakeholder engagement. Contribute to the success and sustainability of UP’s research endeavours, while fostering ethical practices and maximising funding opportunities.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Financial management:
• Monitoring financial aspects during the setup of newly awarded grants;
• Overseeing finances of grant-funded research projects, encompassing budget planning, expenditure forecasting and tracking;
• Submitting payment claims as the designated institutional authority on external awarding agencies’ payment platforms;
• Collaborating with principal investigators and project teams to supervise and manage grant budgets in alignment with grant conditions;
• Monitoring the release of funds and spending levels of NRF grants;
• Compiling monthly financial recons of grants;
  
  

• Grant proposal and award management:
• Assisting researchers in preparing budgets for grant proposals, ensuring they align with project goals and funding agency guidelines;
• Reviewing grant agreements and contracts to verify compliance with UP policies and the requirements of the awarding agencies;
  
  

• Compliance and regulatory oversight:
• Staying up-to-date with regulations governing grant management and research funding;
• Preparing and submitting required compliance reports and documentation to funding agencies;
• Recommending improvements on business processes and systems to enhance compliance;
  
  

• Stakeholder engagement:
• Building and maintaining relations with key stakeholders from internal support departments;
• Liaising with representatives from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and other awarding agencies;
• Collaborating with faculty accountants and the Department of Finance – External Funds, to reconcile grant-related financial transactions with the PeopleSoft Financial system;
• Providing guidance and training to researchers and project teams on grant management, best practices, and compliance requirements;
  
  

• Record keeping and documentation:
• Maintaining records related to grant-funded research projects and updating the UP-grant management system accordingly, in line with standard operating processed as drafted;
• Regularly reviewing and updating grant-related documents to ensure they remain accurate and compliant with current regulations and requirements;
• Conducting regular internal audits on grant-related documentation to identify and rectify discrepancies and compliance issues proactively;
  
  

• Sub recipient management:
• Evaluating due diligence procedures for potential subrecipients;
• Managing the closeout process for subrecipient agreements, ensuring all financial and reporting obligations are met;
• Establishing ongoing monitoring mechanisms to assess subrecipient performance, identifying issues early, and implementing corrective actions as needed;
• Working closely with legal and compliance departments to ensure all subrecipient agreements are legally compliant with relevant regulations and policies;
  
  

• Project management:
• Participating and/or leading on ad hoc projects and activities in support of the RCD vision;
• Establishing a monitoring and evaluation framework for grants management and administration at UP.
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline; with
• A total of three years’ experience in:
• Grant management, financial oversight, or related field;
• Compliance reporting and audit responses;
  

OR

• National diploma in Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline; with
• A total of five years’ experience in:
• Grant management, financial oversight, or related field;
• Compliance reporting and audit responses.
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Knowledge:
• Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) regulations and training;
• NRF grant management system;
• Financial management principles, grant regulations and compliance;
• Grant-related regulations and policies;
• Financial management;
• Implementing and retaining document retention SOP;
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations, such as POPIA;
  
  

• Technical:
• Microsoft Suite and grant management software;
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• In-depth knowledge of grant compliance regulations and requirements;
• Lead and manage projects;
• Training and presentation skills;
  
  

• Behavioural competencies:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to communicate with diplomacy and sensitivity;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to manage changing priorities and tight deadlines;
• Enthusiastic self-starter.
  

Added Advantages And Preferences

• Honours degree in a relevant field; with
• A total of two years’ experience in:
• PeopleSoft Financial System;
• National Research Foundation (NRF) grant management;
• Certification in grant management, or financial management;
• Active membership to the South African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA);
• A valid driver’s license.
  

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• 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: 30 July 2025

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

ENQUIRIES: Ms L Jele, Tel: [phone] or [e-mail] for application-related enquiries, and Mrs. N Kotzee, [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the post content .

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.