Administrative Assistant Job Opportunity at the University of Cape Town

The Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU), based within the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town (UCT), is seeking a dedicated and skilled Administrative Assistant to join their dynamic team. This position is permanent and soft-funded, relying on external sources for funding, and will continue as long as the funding is available.

SALDRU is renowned for its research and capacity building in applied empirical microeconomics, with a focus on issues such as poverty, inequality, labour markets, human capital, and social policy.

Key Responsibilities:

The role of the Administrative Assistant at SALDRU is both diverse and challenging. The successful candidate will provide essential support to the Director, Deputy Director, and other team members, ensuring the smooth operation of administrative and logistical functions. The candidate will also be responsible for providing a frontline reception function, making it a critical role in the day-to-day running of the unit.

• General office administration tasks such as filing, managing travel arrangements, taking minutes, and completing finance and administrative forms.
• Human Resource administration, ensuring that personnel matters are managed efficiently.
• Frontline reception duties, serving as the first point of contact for visitors and stakeholders.
• Coordinating events, managing logistics, and providing the necessary administrative support.
• Performing any other ad-hoc administrative duties as required by the team.

The job requires multitasking in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, making it essential to have excellent organizational and time management skills.

Requirements:

The successful candidate will need to meet the following basic requirements:

1. Educational Requirements:
   • A minimum NQF4 qualification is required.
   • A valid driver’s license is essential to meet the demands of the role.
2. Experience:
   • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in office administration, with a proven ability to perform various administrative tasks as described in the position.
   • At least 1 year of experience in event coordination, which is crucial for the role.
3. Skills and Competencies:
   • High proficiency in MS Word and medium proficiency in MS Excel is a must.
   • Strong time management, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
   • Proficiency in both written and verbal communication in English.
   • Professionalism, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills are essential.
   • The candidate must be able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
   • A strong client service orientation is critical for interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
   • The role requires a meticulous approach to tasks and the ability to manage sensitive information, particularly financial matters, with integrity and honesty.

Advantageous:

While not mandatory, the following qualifications will be beneficial for applicants:

• A diploma in Secretarial Studies, Office Administration, or Office Management (1-year duration).
• Knowledge of SAP or any ERP system.
• Familiarity with the University of Cape Town’s processes or knowledge of the higher education sector is an advantage.

Remuneration:

The annual remuneration for the position will be between R394,844 and R464,523, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This package also includes various benefits provided by the University of Cape Town.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents as a single PDF file to Tania Hendricks at saldruadmin@vula.uct.ac.za:

• UCT Application Form (which can be downloaded from UCT Application Form).
• A cover letter detailing the candidate’s motivation and relevant experience.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least 3 contactable references.

The reference number for the position is E25607, and it must be indicated in the subject line of the email. Applications that do not meet the requirements or do not follow the instructions may not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to complete competency assessments as part of the selection process.

Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 16 June 2025.

University Commitment to Equity:

UCT is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from designated under-represented groups. The university reserves the right not to appoint. For further details about SALDRU, you can visit their official website at SALDRU.

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This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are looking to contribute to impactful research and development in Southern Africa, particularly in the fields of poverty, inequality, and labour economics. The Administrative Assistant role offers a chance to work in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment while supporting the operations of a prestigious research unit at UCT.

For anyone with the required administrative background, strong organizational skills, and an interest in supporting high-level academic research, this position provides a meaningful career opportunity with competitive compensation and benefits.