Research Grants Administrator

Description:

The Research Grants Administrator will provide support within the AHRI's Research Grants Unit portfolio that revolves around the life cycle of a research grant and research management support. This would entail the post-holder to assist with preparation of grant financial and progress reports for review, review grants transactions to ensure compliance with funder guidelines, assist with regulatory affairs and research compliance administrative tasks. In addition, he/she will provide support in updating and maintaining online platform databases and other related support duties. As part of the portfolio, he/she will provide support in research grants application development; development of internal departmental materials (checklists, templates, etc.), assist with administration of a select few seed or early career grant awards from cradle to grave. The position requires high level analytical skills, deadline driven, attention to detail orientated and multi-tasking skills. AHRI's operates at two sites i.e., Somkhele and Durban.

From time to time the Research Grants Administrator may be required to perform other related duties
and tasks as authorised by their line managers and head of unit.

Overview of Duties:

Financial Grants Administration:

• The postholder will provide exceptional research grants administration support duties and smooth appropriation of awards during the grants management process.
• Support relevant Grants Management Specialist in updating and maintaining online platform databases.
• Review of grant transactions (allowability & allocability checks) to ensure compliance with funder guidelines, running grant reports on Workday, processing month-end and financial year-end source documents for review by Line Manager.
• Identify and facilitate compliance with reporting obligations.
• Support the preparation of Principal Investigator internal and external related research grant reports (progress reports, monthly Budget vs Expenditure reports etc.)
• Assist in completion and processing of documents and forms eg. journals, payroll change request forms, cost transfers, invoice preparation etc. for review by Line Manager.
• Assist with preparation of subaward contracts, request subaward reports and review against funder compliance; review of invoices to be paid.

   Research Grant Administration:

• Assist with administration of budget development, liaise with appropriate internal departments for costing (i.e finance, procurement, travel, research core etc), and assist the Grants Manager with consolidation of proposal budgets.
• Assist in the development of internal departmental materials such as checklists, templates and summary of guidelines that would be used for grant applications development, appropriation of awards, research ethics, etc.
• Preparation of award letters and coordination of support documents for travel / small award scholarships for review by Grants Manager (for example Connect Africa Scholarships).
• Liaise with the Research Support business unit on ethics applications and updates. This includes updates on submission of new study ethics applications, amendments, recertifications/renewals, and protocol deviations.
• Liaise with the Research Support business unit on eligibility of Open Access publications.

Coordination and Support Activities:

• Coordination of team meetings, including scheduling and minute-taking for research support and grant-related discussions; maintaining accurate records; ensuring timely follow-up on action items; and keeping well-organised filing systems.
• Actively participate in all staff meetings, activities, and training sessions; and cross-train with other administrative support staff to support knowledge sharing, consistency in practices, and mutual skill development.
• Provide back-up support for other team members.
• Other administrative support duties required by line managers and Head of Unit.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-years BCom degree or related qualification
• Qualification in Project management – Advantageous

Minimum Experience

• Microsoft Suite - Microsoft Excel, Word skills/experience required
• Minimum of 1-2 years previous experience in the field of TB, HIV or NCDs
• Experience in national and international research grant administration advantage
• Experience working with online databases

Skills Required

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Accuracy and precision;
• High computer literacy;
• Must be able to work under pressure;
• Understanding of project operations including project planning, coordination and management;
• Ability to do proper planning and perform accurate work under pressure;
• Willingness to learn and continuously improve oneself;
• Taking initiative, being proactive and deadline orientated;
• Highly motivated and independent;
• High level analytical skills;
• Update line manager in an effective way;

Worker Type:

Employee

The application closing date:

11 Jan 2026

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

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