Project Coordinator

SkillsMap; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 456,000 - 617,000; Part time

Job summary

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites applications for a Project Coordinator in the Research Capacity Development unit in Cape Town. The role focuses on managing a portfolio of grants within the RCD programmes and providing administrative support to the Programme Manager.

The incumbent reports to the Programme Manager and will handle grant administration, stakeholder liaison and performance reporting to ensure effective project delivery.

Qualifications

• Three-year qualification in a science discipline or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of experience coordinating/managing projects and grants.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of RCD grants and career development awards, including pre- and post-award administration.
• Liaise with beneficiaries, host institutions and stakeholders to support programme implementation and compliance.
• Monitor progress, review technical and financial reports, and provide recommendations to management.
• Coordinate grant disbursements, meetings and programme documentation.
• Assist with RFAs, peer review processes and award approvals.
• Prepare funding agreements, award communications and management reports.
• Collect, analyse and report on outputs and performance indicators.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, workshops and events, including logistics and action tracking.

Skills

Project coordination

Education

Three-year science qualification

Job description

Project Coordinator
South African Medical Research Council
2026/08/24 Cape Town

Job Reference Number: R963A
Department: Research Capacity Development
Business Unit:
Industry: Office Support
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1
Salary: Market Related The SAMRC’s RCD division is seeking to appoint a Project Coordinator to take responsibility for managing a portfolio of awards in the RCD grant and career award programmes.

Job Description

The SAMRC’s RCD division is seeking to appoint a Project Coordinator to take responsibility for managing a portfolio of awards in the RCD grant and career award programmes funded by the SAMRC. The incumbent will also provide administrative support to the Programme Manager for all RCD grants and career award programmes.

The incumbent will report to the Programme Manager and will be responsible for the following strategic and core areas:

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of research capacity development grants and career development awards, ensuring effective pre- and post-award administration.
• Liaise with beneficiaries, host institutions, and key stakeholders to support programme implementation and compliance.
• Monitor progress award, review technical and financial reports, and provide recommendations to management.
• Coordinate grant disbursements, review meetings, and programme documentation.
• Facilitate the administration of funding opportunities, including Requests for Applications (RFAs), peer review processes, and award approvals.
• Support the preparation of funding agreements, award communications, and management reports.
• Collect, analyse, and report on programme outputs, achievements, and performance indicators.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, workshops, and events, including logistics, meeting documentation, and action tracking.
• Contribute to the development of reports, presentations, website content, and other stakeholder communication materials.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with organisational policies, funding requirements, and governance processes.

Contract Duration

• 1 year

Location

• Cape Town

Remuneration

• A salary in the region of R537 033.00 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

• 3-year relevant tertiary qualification in a science discipline or similar qualification or higher
• At least 1 to 2 years of experience coordinating/ managing projects and grants (i.e. proven project management skills)

Advantageous

• BSc Honours degree or equivalent in a biomedical science or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience working in a public funding and/or research environment or similar, managing or coordinating projects, grants, fellowships or scholarships.
• A good understanding of the public research environment and capacity development

Closing Date

• 1 September 2026