Senior Administrator

Eastern Cape, East London

The University of Fort Hare is a vibrant, equitable and sustainable African university, committed to teaching and research excellence at the service of its students, scholars and the wider community.

The Senior Administrator position provides administrative support to the Director of Research and Innovation. The support covers a wide range of administrative tasks that include managing incoming documents, emails and phone calls, scheduling meetings, writing minutes of meetings, making travel arrangements, making accommodation bookings, processing procurement requisitions, compiling information for institutional reports, organizing institutional events and coordinating activities or projects undertaken by the Director's Office. The position also provides central administrative support for Research Ethics activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field
• At least 2 years' experience in administration in a Higher Education environment, preferably in a research office.
• At least 1 year experience in the process of Research Ethics clearance of research projects in a Higher Education environment.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience in compiling content for institutional annual reports
• Familiarity with logistical preparations for hosting large research colloquia and conferences.
• Training in Research Ethics
• Knowledge of and experience in running online research ethics application system
• Honours degree or higher qualification is an added advantage

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Receiving and processing documents for Director's approval from Department of Research and Innovation (DRI) Units, Research Niche Areas (RNAs), Research Chairs, Research Institutes, Research Centres, Researchers, and other UFH research entities.
• Drafting motivation letters for payments for services or products
• Processing quotations, invoices and requisitions for payments
• Organising quarterly departmental staff workshop
• Drafting programmes for departmental workshops or events
• Coordinating logistical arrangements for the annual UFH Research Week of Excellence
• Coordinating logistical arrangements for DRI events (e.g. launching of new programmes, research entities or online processes)
• Compiling information and statistics for the annual UFH Research Report
• Coordinating process of taking photographs of authors of articles and research facilities for the UFH Research Report.
• Writing minutes of meetings
• Providing central administrative support for UFH Research Ethics activities
• Providing central support for the online Research Ethics application system
• Ensuring that RECs submit mandatory annual reports to the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC).
• Coordinating meetings for the Director and for the Department

COMPETENCIES:

• Computer competency in the Microsoft pack (Excel, PowerPoint)
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Detail-oriented
• Time management competency
• Problem-solving capability

Closing Date: 26 October 2025

Interested applicants who meet the criteria are invited to:

Visit the Website for a more comprehensive advert and to apply online.

• Applications must be accompanied by:
  
  a) A recent and comprehensive curriculum vitae
  
  b) A Covering Letter stating how applicants satisfy the requirements of the advertised position/s
  
  c) A completed University of Fort Hare Application Form
  
  d) Copies of the applicant's qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from SAQA.

• No faxed, emailed or walk-ins (hard copies) will be accepted.

• Applicants are urged to ensure that their applications reach the Human Resources Department before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Failure to comply with the above directions will result in the application/s being disqualified.

CONTACT DETAILS

Queries can be directed to Ms. S Sigodi on and Correspondence will be conducted with short-listed candidates only.

The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment. The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998 as amended, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile."