The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for an Administrator position. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to PLAAS, helping ensure that departmental procedures are effectively managed and aligned with the University’s administrative systems and processes.
This is a full-time, two-year contract position based on-site at the University of the Western Cape in Bellville, Western Cape.
The position reports to the Finance & Operations Manager and includes supervision of Student Assistants. Candidates with strong administrative abilities, good computer skills, excellent organisational skills and the ability to work professionally with different stakeholders are encouraged to apply.
Administrator Job Vacancy at PLAAS
Position: Administrator
Location: Bellville, Western Cape
Work arrangement: On-site
Contract: Full-time, two years
Reports to: Finance & Operations Manager
Supervises: Student Assistants
Closing date: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 17:00 SAST
PLAAS is looking for an administrator who can contribute to the smooth functioning of the institute by providing reliable administrative, operational and coordination support. The role requires someone who can manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, coordinate activities and communicate effectively with staff, students, service providers and other stakeholders.
About the Administrator Position
The Administrator will play an important role in supporting the Director, Finance and Operations Manager, researchers and other PLAAS staff. The position involves a combination of general administration, office coordination, meeting support, event logistics, records management, resource management and facilities coordination.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the effective implementation of administrative processes and controls. Strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritise tasks and a professional approach to dealing with people will be important in this role.
The position also involves supervising Student Assistants, making interpersonal and organisational skills particularly important.
Key Performance Areas
1. Administrative and Operational Support
The Administrator will provide administrative support to the Director, Finance and Operations Manager, researchers and other PLAAS staff.
Responsibilities include assisting with the coordination of operational priorities, supporting the implementation of action plans and contributing to process improvements. The Administrator will also assist with maintaining appropriate administrative controls and ensuring that procedures are followed.
The role requires an organised individual who can manage several administrative tasks while ensuring that deadlines and priorities are properly monitored.
2. Calendar, Meetings and Institutional Support
The successful candidate will manage the PLAAS calendar and provide secretariat support for meetings.
Duties will include coordinating meetings, preparing for scheduled activities, tracking actions and deadlines, and supporting institutional planning and reporting processes.
The Administrator will also convene monthly staff meetings and help ensure that agreed actions are followed up. Good communication, time management and record-keeping skills will therefore be essential.
3. Workshops, Events and Travel Logistics
PLAAS regularly conducts workshops, seminars, meetings and other activities that require effective coordination.
The Administrator will coordinate the logistical arrangements for these activities. This may include arranging catering, coordinating travel, communicating with venues and service providers, and liaising with other stakeholders.
Candidates should therefore be comfortable dealing with different service providers and coordinating multiple arrangements at the same time.
Strong planning and organisational skills will be particularly useful when managing events and ensuring that all logistical requirements are addressed.
4. Digital Systems, Office Resources and Assets
The Administrator will support the effective use of PLAAS digital systems and assist with the management of office resources.
Responsibilities include managing office consumables, stationery, equipment, assets and shared resources. The role will involve monitoring stock levels, supporting procurement processes, conducting asset verification and promoting efficient use of available resources.
Strong computer skills and confidence when working with digital systems will be important. The successful candidate should be able to learn and use administrative systems effectively and support colleagues when necessary.
5. Office and Facilities Management
The Administrator will assist with managing the PLAAS offices and facilities and will serve as a primary front-of-house representative for the institute.
The role includes coordinating visitors, supporting staff onboarding and coordinating facilities-related requests.
A professional, welcoming and helpful manner is therefore important. The Administrator may interact with staff, students, visitors, service providers and other stakeholders and should be able to represent PLAAS professionally.
6. Records and Administrative Systems
Maintaining effective records and administrative systems is another important responsibility of the position.
The Administrator will help ensure that administrative information is properly organised and maintained. The position also includes oversight of administrative support personnel and contributing to a professional, welcoming and compliant working environment.
Candidates should demonstrate good attention to detail and an ability to maintain accurate and well-organised administrative records.
Skills Required
PLAAS is seeking a candidate who combines strong administrative abilities with good interpersonal skills.
The ideal candidate should have:
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills
- Strong computer skills
- Systems thinking and the ability to understand administrative processes
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deadlines
- A professional and pleasant demeanour
- The ability to work effectively with different stakeholders
- Competence and experience in the ethical use of artificial intelligence
- The ability to maintain accurate records and administrative systems
- Good problem-solving and coordination abilities
Proficiency in the required workplace applications is also important for the position.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the stated minimum qualification and experience requirements.
Candidates must have either:
- Matric and a relevant three-year tertiary-level qualification, together with two years of relevant experience; OR
- Matric with three to five years of relevant experience.
Candidates who have a post-matric qualification will be preferred.
Applicants should also be proficient in:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Zoom
- Slack
Relevant experience should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform administrative duties, coordinate activities, manage records and provide effective support within an organisation.
Advantageous Experience
Experience within a Higher Education environment will be advantageous.
Knowledge of student administration systems will also be an advantage.
Candidates with experience working in a university, college or other higher education institution may therefore have an additional benefit, particularly where such experience has involved administrative systems, student-related processes, office management or institutional procedures.
Who Should Apply?
This vacancy may be suitable for candidates who have experience in administration, office coordination, operations support, institutional administration, event coordination or similar areas.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate practical administrative experience and confidence using modern workplace technology. The position requires someone who can work independently while also providing support to a wider team.
Attention to detail is important because the role involves records, deadlines, meetings, resources, procurement-related activities and administrative controls.
Candidates who enjoy organising information, coordinating activities and supporting colleagues may find this opportunity particularly suitable.
How to Apply for the PLAAS Administrator Position
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a one-page motivation letter.
The motivation letter should specifically address the applicant’s experience in relation to the requirements outlined in the detailed job description.
- Applications must be submitted by email to: [email protected]
- Use the following subject line: PLAAS Administrator application
Applications close at 17:00 SAST on Friday, 23 October 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that the CV clearly presents relevant qualifications, administrative experience, computer skills and other experience that relates directly to the requirements of the position.
The one-page motivation letter should also be tailored to the position rather than using a generic application letter.
Download the Detailed Job Description
Applicants should review the official detailed job description before submitting an application. The document provides additional information about the position and the experience required.
Download the full PLAAS Administrator job description
Important Information for Applicants
By applying for the position, applicants consent to the University sharing their application, including their curriculum vitae, with relevant University stakeholders for the purpose of processing the application.
In line with the University of the Western Cape’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in accordance with its Employment Equity Targets.
The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and conduct competency assessments where applicable.
Closing Date
The closing date for the PLAAS Administrator vacancy is Friday, 23 October 2026 at 17:00 SAST.
Applicants should submit all required documents before the deadline and ensure that the correct email subject line is used.
Candidates who meet the requirements and are interested in administrative opportunities within a higher education environment are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.