Admin post at UP for semiskilled Business Administration, Finance, or Public Administration graduates
- Career Exibs SA
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Administrator: Research Grants - Department of Research and Innovation
Job ID 25793
Location Research and Innovation
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
UP Professional and Support
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
ADMINISTRATOR: RESEARCH GRANTS
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 9
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 Research Grant Administrator facilitates grant management processes, supports financial planning, ensures compliance, coordinates logistics, and maintains efforts to enhance research funding success at UP for external grant applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidates’ responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Pre‐award administrative support:
Serve as a point of contact for researchers seeking information on research funding opportunities;
Offer support on grant application procedures and funding body expectations to ensure clarity and understanding among researchers;
Attend briefing and information sessions hosted by funding bodies, if required, to stay informed about potential external grant opportunities;
Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and sub‐recipients, to gather and coordinate essential inputs such as letters of support, detailed project data and other relevant materials for research grant applications;
Financial administration:
Assist researchers in preparing and revising project budgets for grant applications;
Provide detailed guidance on allowable costs, co‐funding requirements, and financial reporting standards set by funding bodies and UP;
Act as a liaison between the PI, DRI administrators and UP’s Finance department for pre‐approval of grant budgets;
Offer training and consultation to UP researchers;
Logistics:
Plan and coordinate all logistical arrangements for internal review panels, briefing sessions, and other necessary meetings;
Ensure that venues are equipped with the necessary resources;
Arrange for refreshments and catering services as needed;
Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes and information packets to all participants in a timely manner;
Documentation and record keeping:
Maintain accurate records of all interactions, submissions and communications with researchers and funding bodies;
Maintain comprehensive records of all submitted grant applications, including those from external funding sources.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance, or Public Administration;
A total of two years’ experience in:
Grant management, research administration, or a similar field;
Financial administration, documentation and compliance related to grants.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
Knowledge of:
Grant funding policies and procedures from diverse funding sources;
Budgeting;
Regulatory compliance;
Communication and coordination;
Project management;
Data privacy regulations, such as POPIA;
Technical competencies:
Microsoft office suite and grant management software;
Grant management systems of different funding bodies;
US and UK federal grant platform;
Writing and editorial skills;
Database and record management;
Project management;
Presentation skills:
Behavioural competencies:
Attention to detail;
Communication skills;
Interpersonal skills;
Organizational skills;
Adaptability;
Initiative and proactivity;
Ethical integrity;
Teamwork and collaboration.
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
An Honours degree in a relevant field;
Two year’s’ experience in PeopleSoft Financial System;
Familiarity with grant management systems and processes of various external funding bodies;
Active membership to the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA);
Valid driver’s license;
Certification in grant management or financial management.
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
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: 26 March 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, Lebo.jele@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Ms Ninette Kotzee, Email: ninette.kotzee@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 May 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.