The Assistant Administrative Officer position at the NITheCS node based at UKZN (Westville Campus) provides administrative support to researchers, postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The role covers financial and general administration, local and international travel bookings, accommodation arrangements, procurement, bursary and salary form processing, organising conferences, claims and cost recovery, extracting financial reports and scientific typesetting support. Strong attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to work under pressure are essential.

Applicants must have Matric plus a one-year relevant qualification, at least two years of relevant experience, and proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and financial administration. Short-listed candidates may undergo a skills test. The appointment is an indefinite contract dependent on continued external funding. Employment Equity principles apply, and personal information will be processed according to POPIA.

Position: Assistant Administrative Officer (Indefinite Appointment)
Listing Reference: ukzn_000724
Location: Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Industry: Education & Training
Category: University & Academic Support
Contract Type: Indefinite Appointment (Dependent on external funding)
Remuneration: PEROMNES Grade 11
Employment Equity: Preference given to designated groups

Introduction

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) invites applications for the role of Assistant Administrative Officer within the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative support to researchers, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Job Description

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial and general administration
• Local and international travel & accommodation bookings
• Procurement and processing of salary appointment forms
• Bursary payments and claims administration
• Organising conferences and related events
• Cost recovery processes and financial reporting
• Extracting and compiling financial reports
• Scientific typesetting support
• Liaison with NRF and NITheCS
• Any other administrative duties as required

The role requires excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently under pressure. The successful candidate will report to the UKZN NITheCS Head of Node.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric plus a one-year relevant qualification
• 2 years’ relevant experience in a similar administrative environment
• Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Experience in financial administration
• Shortlisted candidates may undergo a skills test

Additional Information

• The appointment is subject to continued external funding.
• NITheCS reserves the right not to fill this position.
• Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
• The University is committed to its Employment Equity Plan.
• Personal Information submitted during the application process will be handled according to POPIA.
• If you do not hear from the University within six weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

How to Apply

The Assistant Administrative Officer role at the NITheCS node based at UKZN (Westville Campus) supports researchers, postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows through a range of administrative functions. Key responsibilities include financial and general administration, travel and accommodation bookings, procurement, processing bursary and salary appointment forms, organising conferences, handling claims and cost recovery, extracting financial reports and providing scientific typesetting support. The position requires accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to operate effectively under pressure.

Applicants must hold Matric plus a one-year relevant qualification, have a minimum of two years’ experience in a similar environment and be proficient in word processing, spreadsheets and financial administration. Short-listed candidates may be required to complete a skills test. The appointment is an indefinite contract dependent on continued external funding, and Employment Equity considerations apply. Personal information will be processed in accordance with POPIA. The closing date for applications is 28 November 2025.