Wits Enterprise invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Grant Administrator within the Research & Consulting Services unit. This role is offered on a one-year fixed-term contract, commencing on 1 February 2026, and will support the implementation and financial administration of the Danish-funded Digital Democracy Initiative – Project 1: Enabling and Amplifying Action for Civic Space and Inclusive Democracy. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with EU grant regulations while maintaining accurate financial and administrative records in collaboration with internal teams and project partners.

The Grant Administrator will manage day-to-day project administration, monitor expenditure against approved budgets, support procurement and supplier processes, and assist with interim and final financial reporting. The role requires strong organisational and financial management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multi-partner environment. Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and have at least two to three years’ experience in grant or financial administration, preferably within EU-funded projects.

Position Title
Grant Administrator

Research & Consulting Services
Organisation: Wits Commercial Enterprise (Pty) Ltd (“Wits Enterprise”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Reporting to
Senior Project Co-ordinator, Research & Consulting Services

Contract term/type
1 Year Fixed-Term Contract

Start date
1 February 2026

Purpose/Description of Job
Wits Enterprise is seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Grant Administrator to support the implementation and financial administration of a Danish–funded project, “Digital Democracy Initiative – Project 1: Enabling and Amplifying Action for Civic Space and Inclusive Democracy”.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring compliance with EU grant regulations, supporting project partners, and maintaining accurate financial and administrative records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day administrative and financial tasks related to the project
• Ensure compliance with EU funding rules, grant agreement, and reporting requirements
• Monitor and track project expenditure and financial forecasts against approved budget and flag risks or deviations
• Manage procurement, supplier on-boarding and payments
• Maintain accurate project records, contracts, and supporting documentation
• Collect, verify, and integrate financial and compliance documentation from project partners
• Assist with the preparation and submission of interim and final financial reports
• Liaise with project partners (CIVICUS, OpenUp and CTIN)
• Support project meetings, audits, and reporting (including preparation of documentation)
• Provide administrative support to the Project Co-ordinator and project team

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 2–3 years experience in grant administration or financial administration, preferably within EU-funded projects
• Strong financial and budget management skills

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours)

• Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel); experience with financial management systems is an advantage
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit a covering letter clearly outlining relevant skills and experience, and indicating the position being applied for. Applications must be accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of at least three (3) professional references.

All applications should be submitted via the following link: https://wits-enterprise.co.za/vacancies/62412/grant-administrator/. Only applications received through this platform will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For queries, contact Sonti Masike, Executive PA/HR Officer, by email on [email protected]

Closing date: 12 January 2026, close of business

Wits Commercial Enterprise pursues the principles of employment equity and reserves the right not to make an appointment. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position supports an important international initiative focused on strengthening civic space and inclusive democracy through digital tools in the Global South, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and involving EU regulations). The project partners with prominent organisations like CIVICUS (a global civil society alliance), OpenUp (a South African civic tech organisation), and CTIN (Civic Tech Innovation Network). If you’re interested in applying, ensure your covering letter highlights any relevant experience with multi-partner, donor-funded projects.