Job Opportunity: Administrative Officer – Projects (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education) at Universities South Africa

Universities South Africa, a national association representing South African public universities, invites applications for the position of Admin Officer: Projects within the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) team.

Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Closing Date: 17 August 2026
Contract: Twelve (12) Months
Remuneration: Market-related salary package

This role offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to national entrepreneurship initiatives in higher education.

The successful candidate will coordinate and support student-focused projects, stakeholder engagement, event management, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring alignment with funder and institutional requirements.

About Universities South Africa

Universities South Africa is a non-profit organization based in Pretoria, dedicated to advocacy, strategic research, and sector support for South African universities.

It promotes cooperation among universities and partners, funded through membership fees, contract management, and donor contributions.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination

Implement project activities across participating universities
Support planning and delivery of capacity-building programs, workshops, and stakeholder engagements
Strengthen administrative and logistical support for project managers

Enhance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes
Ensure compliance with procurement, financial, and donor reporting standards
Maintain organized records and databases

Facilitate stakeholder engagement and increase student participation, especially among women
Promote institutional recognition of universities as entrepreneurial hubs

Event and Project Support

Coordinate flagship events such as Studentpreneurs Indaba, EDHE Absa Innnovarsity, and Waste Innovation Challenge
Manage logistics including venues, registrations, travel, accommodation, and catering
Ensure high-quality event delivery and compliance

Budget and Financial Management

Assist with budget planning, cost allocation, and cash flow management
Maintain accurate financial records
Support procurement processes and documentation
Participate in budget reviews and financial reporting

Administration, Documentation, and Compliance

Handle project documentation and record-keeping
Ensure adherence to policies and procedures
Draft correspondence and respond to stakeholder queries

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Collect and manage data related to project activities
Draft reports for donors and stakeholders
Track project milestones and outcomes

Stakeholder Engagement

Support engagement with university coordinators and partners
Maintain stakeholder contacts and support relationship management

Office and Team Support

Support office administration, inventory, and supplier coordination
Assist with onboarding interns and administrative tasks for the Director’s Office

Candidate Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Diploma in Business Administration, Project Management, Development Studies, Education, or related field
Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated project administration experience (preferred)

At least 3 years’ experience in administration and project management within higher education or related sectors
Experience in entrepreneurship development, donor-funded projects, and event coordination
Strong organizational skills and financial tracking ability

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Advanced proficiency in MS Office, Adobe, Excel, and AI-tools
Understanding of South African higher education policies and stakeholder engagement
Knowledge of procurement policies, donor compliance, and student-led entrepreneurship initiatives

Personal Characteristics

High attention to detail and deadline management
Proactive problem-solving skills
Collaborative and adaptable attitude
Ability to work under pressure and independently
Confidentiality and ethical conduct
Strong verbal communication skills

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of motivation, CV, and contact details for at least three traceable referees to: recruitment@usaf.ac.za by the closing date.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no response is received within 30 days post-deadline, applications should be considered unsuccessful.

Applications from candidates with disabilities and from designated groups are encouraged. Universities South Africa reserves the right not to fill the position.