Project Coordinator

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Pretoria is seeking a Project Coordinator accountable for various project management tasks. The ideal candidate will have a relevant three-year qualification in Project Management, at least three years of experience, and proficiency in project management software. This role offers a hybrid work model and competitive remuneration with additional benefits like pension contributions and medical insurance.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid work arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in a project/programme management environment.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Facilitate project meetings and ensure compliance with project standards.
• Perform quality checks and ensure project document compliance.

Skills

Project Management

Numerical thinking

Attention to detail

Planning and organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Three-year tertiary qualification in Project Management

Tools

Microsoft Project

Adobe Sign

Job description

Overview

The CSIR is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisations work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for Project Coordinator in the Business Excellence and Integration portfolio. The role is accountable for the provision of project coordination tasks based on project management principles in support of project management functions such as coordinating the planning, monitoring and evaluation of projects to ensure effective and efficient delivery. This position is based in Pretoria.

Position Level: Junior Management Supervisory and Junior Specialists

Key Responsibilities

Apply project management knowledge to achieve project goals by applying the total project management life cycle within project constraints according to applicable project management framework(s), including:

• Project Initiation:
• Reviewing and routing of proposals, tenders, contracts, independent contractors/subconsultancies, MOU agreements, non-disclosure agreements, etc.
• Preparation and facilitation of the project and contract registration forms and project plan under guidance.
• Register project information on the financial system with the assistance of the Finance Department.
• Create a project start-up file and update accordingly until close out.
• Project Planning:
• Establish, implement and maintain all project controls.
• Ensure compliance to project control standards and procedures.
• Apply clear understanding of Work/Product breakdown structures, Statement of work, sequence and interdependencies, Budget, Resource allocation and leveling, Duration estimates.
• Execution and control:
• Facilitate and plan project meetings.
• Participate in and coordinate project office, committee and review meetings.
• Monitor, control and manage the projects database and deliverables.
• Manage and monitor submission of invoices/payments and open orders to the Finance Department.
• Calculate income to be declared and running costs against timesheet bookings by monitoring the financial dashboard system.
• Highlight red flags and inform the project lead and/or stakeholders.
• Review and update the project budget forecast each quarter and submit to the project leader for verification.
• Register Parliamentary Grant projects on the Strategic Investment Management System (SIMS) and follow standard income declaration process.
• Update sales register each month by checking amounts and following up with Finance.
• Highlight variances and inform the project leader and/o r other relevant stakeholders.
• Update the sales pipeline with input from project leader and/or other stakeholders.
• Obtain project status feedback from stakeholders and record in relevant status document and/or project database.
• Provide inputs to and prepare documentation required by relevant programme governance committees.
• Adherence to procurement frameworks and finance policies (PFMA, National Treasury Regulations, etc.).
• Quality assurance and control:
• Perform continuous quality checks and report anomalies to the Project Manager.
• Assist the project manager, quality manager and configuration manager to capture project configuration data and documentation into the appropriate configuration/document management system.
• Facilitate project documentation and ensure compliance with project management and business frameworks and CSIR quality standards.
• Project Close Out:
• Ensure all relevant project-related documents are captured and finalised before closing a project.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A relevant three (3) year tertiary qualification in Project Management (e.g. certificate in Project Management at NQF level 6) with three years of experience in a project/programme management environment assisting in coordinating multiple projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project or similar software.
• Numerical thinking; attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Adobe Sign and relevant procurement frameworks and financial policies.
• Good planning and organisational skills; ability to exercise tact and good judgement with highly sensitive information.
• Ability to work accurately, efficiently and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate meetings and engagements.
• Demonstrated skills in analytical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, problem solving, verbal and written communication, teamwork and self-management.

What s in it for you

The CSIR offers flexible hybrid work arrangements, learning and development opportunities, competitive remuneration packages and total guaranteed salary packages which include pension contributions, risk insurance and medical scheme. We openly acknowledge and reward employees through CSIR Excellence Awards.

Closing date

Closing date: 23 September 2025

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. For more info, please email [e-mail]. Do not send applications to this mailbox; it is for inquiries only.

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. By applying, the applicant understands the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report and may verify educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the closing date and reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.