Job Description

Title of PositionCoordinator: Research Development & Postgraduate SupportPost Number8033439Faculty/DepartmentUniversity of the Western Cape -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation -> Research Development & Postgraduate SupportType of PositionPermanent - Full TimeLength of Contract PeriodLocationMain Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)Closing Date18/5/2025Role Clarification & Key Performance AreasThe 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 RequirementsMinimum 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

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

University of the Western Cape