Job Description

Title of Position
Manager: Finance and Operations (PLAAS) - 2 year contract
Post Number
8026731
Faculty/Department
University of the Western Cape -> Economics & Management Sciences -> Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS)
Type of Position
Fixed Term Contract
Length of Contract Period
2-year contract
Location
Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
7/10/2025
Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa and for making quality education accessible to all South Africans and developing centres of excellence of national importance. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive Faculty dedicated to teaching and research, as well as to overall student development. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and willing to make a significant contribution to the development of the Faculty.
The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that educates the students across multiple disciplines, including Accounting, Business and Entrepreneurship, Finance, Economics, Industrial Psychology (Human Resources Management), Information Systems, Academic Literacies, and Political Studies. The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), Institute for Social Development, and School of Government also form part of the Faculty.
The Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective management of all financial, support, administrative, HR and contractual functions required for the operational functioning of PLAAS.
Key Performance Areas:
1. Financial Management, Administration, Procurement, and Reporting in line with UWC and donor requirements

• Lead the preparation of the institute's budgets and financial forecasts;
• Conduct strategic forward financial planning and support fundraising;
• Produce and present financial reports to the PLAAS management, the EMS Faculty and the PLAAS Advisory Board;
• Prepare for donor and annual audits and address audit findings;
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and provide detailed and timeous financial reports to donors;
• Ensure effective liaison with the UWC Finance Department;
• Ensure efficient internal systems for financial planning, management and administration.
• Liaise with auditors, donors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies as needed.

2. Contract management and administration

• Lead the budgetary aspects of funding proposals;
• Maintain a contract and SLA management and information system
• Support researchers in compliance with donors' contractual requirements, especially in relation to project reporting.

3. Human Resources management in line with UWC policies and requirements

• Liaise with the Human Resources Department on all matters related to employment contracts;
• Manage and implement recruitment processes, in close consultation with UWC HR;
• Oversee PLAAS leave administration for professional and administrative support staff;
• Oversee administration of capacity development plans for professional and administrative support staff.

4. Administration, support and logistical services

• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of all PLAAS administrative staff;
• Ensure the efficient implementation of core administrative functions, including logistics and reception;
• Liaise with all other UWC departments, as required;
• Ensure that PLAAS administrative staff provide effective travel, event and other support to researchers.

Minimum Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (NQF level 8) in a relevant field (Accounting, Financial Management, Business Administration).
• At least five years' relevant experience in financial and operations management within a similar organizational environment (preferably University-based or research institute)
• Proven people management experience.
• Experience in financial management and reporting on international donor grants.

Key Competencies

• Financial management, analysis, budgeting and forecasting skills
• Financial strategy, leadership and budgeting skills
• Planning and organisational skills, including creation of system improvements
• Capacity to work punctually and to deadlines
• People management skills
• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills

For more information (but not applications), please contact Prof Ruth Hall on email rhall@uwc.ac.za
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.
To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.
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.

Skills Required