Project Administrator jobs in South Africa

CENTRE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCHOLARSHIP

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.

The Project coordinator provides strategic and operational coordination across the Centre’s research projects and scholarly engagements to ensure that activities are well-planned, efficiently implemented, and aligned with the Centre’s strategic priorities. The role supports academic leadership in managing project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and reporting, while fostering collaboration among researchers, administrators, and partners. The central purpose of this position is to ensure that projects produce expected deliverables and meet all funder and University-set deadlines.

• Assuming responsibility for the management of research and maintenance projects, in consultation with the Director: Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, particularly with regard to:
• Facilitating contracts with funders and/or project partners;
• Undertaking feasibility studies and risk analysis before projects commence;
• Supporting projects in cost planning, cost analysis, cost estimates and cost control techniques;
• Project Coordination:
• Overseeing the planning of project activities, and alignment with the Centre’s activities;
• Ensuring that the deliverables meet the stipulated quality standards and are delivered in a timely manner;
• Compiling biannual progress reports on the progress of projects and identifying challenges to achieving targets and outcomes;
• Working with project leaders to compile and review budgets for projects at the Centre;
• Managing the finances for projects within the approved budgets, monitoring expenditure and ensuring compliance with funder and institutional policies;
• Monitoring the Centre’s project costs centres and the expenditure processes to ensure that suppliers are paid;
• Coordinating the organisation of the Executive Committee and Advisory Board meetings;
• Meeting with and communicating regularly with project leaders, project administrators and other stakeholders in the Centre’s research activities;
• Providing data on project outputs, outcomes and impacts to be included in the Centre’s reporting and strategic planning;
• Gathering and compiling narrative annual reports from the Centre’s projects to be included in the Centre’s annual report;
• Collaborating with the Events and Communications Manager to devise initiatives to enhance project visibility and widespread dissemination of project outputs, outcomes and impacts.

• A Bachelor’s or B Tech degree in Project Management or relevant field;
• Three years of work experience in Project Management and Grant management.

• Knowledge of project management methodologies and procedures;
• Knowledge of project risk management;
• Knowledge of financial administration systems;
• Computer literacy (MS Office, especially MS Project and MS Access);
• Verbal and written communication skills;
• Project management skills;
• Report writing skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Attention to detail;
• Supervisory skills, with the competence to delegate tasks to a team of administrators;
• Presentation skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Negotiation skills;
• Problem solving and decision-making skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multi- and transdisciplinary academic environment.

• A postgraduate degree in Project Management or relevant field;
• A valid driver’s licence;
• 3 years of Higher education experience.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

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: Careers@UP.

• Cover letter;
• 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: 22 December 2025. No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms M Molema, Tel: (012) 420 2903, maryjane.molema@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Prof NN Mkhwanazi, Tel: (012) 420 4094 or nolwazi.mkhwanazi@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the position. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, 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.