The University of the Western Cape has over the past few years steadily become one of the research-led teaching and learning universities in South Africa, with the capacity to produce and advance new knowledge in recognised research strength and the translation of this knowledge through innovation endeavours. 

An exciting opportunity exists in the UWC Research Development and Postgraduate Support (RDPS) office for a suitably qualified candidate to work closely with the Director in contributing to the institution’s research and postgraduate activities and achievements.

The successful incumbent is responsible for the following key performance areas: 

• Provide support, education, and assistance to the researchers and their teams to help facilitate the research process.
• Serves as a link in ensuring accurate and timely information flow and maintaining effective working relationships with the team and stakeholders.
• Ensure effective lines of communication between RDPS office and postgraduate students.
•  Render an effective support function to RDPS.
• Oversee the support process from application to completion of postgraduate students where necessary.
• Oversee the support process from application to orientation for exchange / mobility students where necessary.
• Advisor for postgraduate students on administrative matters.
• Develop, implement, and maintain records and follow-up procedures for all research projects.
• Maintain an effective filing system for the Office of Research Development and Postgraduate office.
• Plan events relating to postgraduate student and staff support
• Maintain efficient record system; document and record management in line with university processes
• Support Director, Deputy Directors, and other staff to co-ordinate projects in the RDPS office.
• Interact with administrative stakeholders and other Management lines on behalf of the RDPS office.
• Manage and coordinate the admissions and selections process for postgraduate programmes including scholarship applications for prospective students and the coordination of the credit application assessment process.
• Administer bursary forms, check agreement forms, handle travel grants for international and local conferences.
• Act as a custodian of the University policies and procedures as it pertains to the functional areas of the RDPS office.
• General administrative support including drafting reports and/or responses of the Director for Committee meetings.
• Identify training and development needs of professional support staff within the RDPS office.
   

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience)

• A relevant Honours Degree at an NQF 8 or an equivalent qualification 
• A minimum of 5 years student and academic administration experience in a Higher Education environment. 
• A minimum of 3 years staff supervision experience.
• Knowledge and experience of financial management systems.
• Experience in managing and monitoring of budgets.
• Proven report writing and minute-taking skills and working ability of the Committee Management Systems.
• Working knowledge and experience of higher education governance policies, procedures, and structures.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Digital Media

Required competencies (skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes): 

• Strong interpersonal & problem-solving skills
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on various issues
• Excellent communication skills - both verbal and written
• Ability to create, compose and edit written materials
• Planning & excellent organizational skills
• Information management skills
• Office management skills
• Knowledge of finance, budgeting procedures
• Ability to adapt communication approach to suit all role-players
• Ability to prioritise work and respond effectively to meet deadlines