The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for two General Assistant positions within the Student Affairs Division, Department of Student Life and Governance. The opportunities are based at the Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB) Campus in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

The university is offering short-term employment contracts for a period of 11.5 months, running from 1 January to 15 December 2027. Successful candidates will be responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support to the Heads of Student Life and Student Governance.

This opportunity is suitable for individuals with a Diploma qualification, administrative or secretarial experience, good communication skills and strong computer literacy. Applicants with experience working in a university environment and knowledge of university administrative systems will have an added advantage.

Interested candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

Job Details

Position: General Assistant
Department: Student Life and Governance
Division: Student Affairs
Number of Posts: 2
Post Level: P15
Campus: APB Campus
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Employment Type: Short-term contract
Contract Period: 11.5 months
Commencement Date: 4 January 2027
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Closing Time: 16:00

Job Purpose

The purpose of the General Assistant position is to provide efficient, professional and accurate administrative and secretarial support to the Heads of Student Life and Student Governance.

The successful candidates will help ensure the smooth operation of departmental activities through effective communication, administrative coordination, document management and reliable office support.

The role involves interacting with students, university staff members and external stakeholders while ensuring that enquiries and administrative matters are handled professionally.

Candidates must be organised, detail-oriented and capable of managing different responsibilities while maintaining confidentiality and meeting departmental deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will perform a range of administrative, secretarial and coordination duties within the Student Life and Governance Department.

1. Administrative and Secretarial Support

• Provide administrative and secretarial support to the Head of Student Life and Head of Student Governance.
• Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for the department.
• Manage incoming telephone calls and correspondence.
• Respond to student enquiries, provide information and assist with administrative issues.
• Draft professional correspondence, including emails to students and other stakeholders.
• Type official correspondence and manage electronic mail communication.
• Handle confidential information and documentation with discretion.
• Track important decisions, assigned tasks and departmental deadlines.
• Follow up on outstanding matters to ensure that tasks are completed.
• Perform additional administrative duties as assigned by the Heads of the department.

2. Student and Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate with students to answer questions and provide relevant information.
• Explain procedures and disseminate information when required.
• Address administrative enquiries and assist with resolving issues.
• Maintain professional communication with university staff and external stakeholders.
• Ensure that correspondence and enquiries receive appropriate attention.

3. Administrative Coordination and Financial Support

• Assist with the appointment of internal temporary staff and independent contractors.
• Assist in tracking departmental expenditure.
• Administer the procurement of operational items through the Oracle system.
• Maintain accurate records of financial transactions.
• Support the coordination of departmental administrative processes.
• Ensure that relevant documentation and records are properly maintained.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum educational and work experience requirements.

Educational Qualifications

• Grade 12 (NQF Level 4).
• An NQF Level 6 Diploma qualification or equivalent.

Work Experience

• At least one year of administrative or secretarial experience.
• Experience in a university environment will be an advantage.

Computer Literacy and Technical Knowledge

Applicants must have strong computer skills and proficiency in the following:

• Microsoft Word.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Microsoft Outlook.
• Internet applications.
• ITS and Oracle systems.
• Other relevant university administrative systems.

Candidates should also have the ability to manage diaries, correspondence and office systems efficiently. Experience handling confidential documents and coordinating busy administrative workflows is required.

Required Competencies and Skills

The University of Johannesburg is looking for candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills.
• High levels of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative when handling administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and confidential documents responsibly.

Successful candidates must demonstrate reliability, professionalism and the ability to provide quality administrative support in a busy university environment.

Employment Period and Commencement Date

The advertised positions are short-term opportunities for a period of 11.5 months. The contract period is from 1 January 2027 to 15 December 2027, with the commencement of duties scheduled for 4 January 2027. Candidates should be available to commence duties on the specified date.

Application Closing Date

Applications opened on 9 November 2026 and will close on 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be considered. Interested candidates should submit their applications before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified applicants must submit their applications by email to the University of Johannesburg.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. A comprehensive and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Certified copies of their highest qualifications.
3. A certified copy of their South African identity document (ID).

Send your application to: [email protected]

Applicants must indicate the position title and advert reference in the subject line of their application.

Suggested Email Subject: Application for General Assistant X2 – APB Campus

Ensure that all required documents are attached before sending the application. Applicants should also provide accurate contact details on their CVs.

Employment Equity

The University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to persons with disabilities and individuals from historically disadvantaged groups.

Appointments will be based on merit, taking into consideration applicants’ qualifications, experience and proven achievements.

The university reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised positions, depending on operational requirements.

Important Information

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If applicants have not received a response from the University of Johannesburg within 21 weeks after the closing date, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Candidates are encouraged to ensure that their CVs clearly demonstrate their administrative experience, computer literacy, communication skills and ability to perform secretarial duties.