SAHPRA: Admin Clerk – Clinical Trials (Serious Adverse Events) Vacancy 2026

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Admin Clerk – Clinical Trials (Serious Adverse Events). This opportunity is offered on a one-year contract and is based in Pretoria.

This position is ideal for candidates with a Matric certificate and a qualification in Health Sciences or as a Pharmacist Assistant who have experience in office administration and an interest in the regulation of medicines and clinical trials.

Position Details

Position: Admin Clerk – Clinical Trials (Serious Adverse Events) (SAEs)
Reference Number: SAHPRA 18 of 2026/27
Location: Pretoria
Contract: One-Year Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: R271,900 – R321,000 per annum (Total Cost to Company)

About SAHPRA

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is the national medicines regulatory authority established in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965, as amended.

The authority is responsible for regulating medicines, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs), clinical trials, scheduled substances, and related healthcare products. SAHPRA works to ensure that these products meet the required standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness in the interest of public health.

The Admin Clerk will provide administrative support to the Clinical Trials unit, particularly in handling Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) reported during clinical trials.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Matric (Grade 12) certificate.
  • Diploma as a Pharmacist Assistant or a Degree in Health Sciences.
  • Registration with a relevant professional body.
  • Basic pharmaceutical knowledge.

Candidates who meet these educational requirements are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

Experience Required

Applicants should have:

  • One to two years of experience in office administration.
  • Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.
  • Experience with filing systems and administrative support.
  • Knowledge of the regulatory environment will be an added advantage.

Previous experience in healthcare administration or clinical trials may also strengthen an application.

Knowledge and Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965, and related regulations.
  • Understanding of medicine regulation concerning quality, safety, and efficacy.
  • Data capturing and record management.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Professionalism, resilience, and innovation.
  • Willingness to work extended hours when required.

These competencies are essential for maintaining accurate records and supporting the regulation of clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will provide administrative support relating to Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) reported during clinical trials.

Daily responsibilities will include screening reports received from applicants to ensure they are complete before further processing.

The Admin Clerk will upload SAE correspondence and supporting documents according to standard operating procedures and ensure all records are stored correctly on the shared drive.

The successful candidate will also capture information on the SAE tracker or spreadsheet and allocate correspondence to the appropriate technical staff for assessment.

Another important responsibility involves maintaining information on the VigiFlow database.

This includes accurately capturing Serious Adverse Event reports, ensuring that all relevant information is entered correctly, and confirming that MedDRA terminology is properly recorded.

The position also requires assisting assessors by extracting information relating to clinical trials whenever requested.

Administrative support will further include identifying incomplete SAE reports and requesting outstanding information from applicants.

The successful candidate will prepare letters relating to Serious Adverse Event reports and distribute correspondence to relevant stakeholders.

The role also includes responding to enquiries relating to Serious Adverse Events and escalating technical matters to the responsible assessor when necessary.

Additional responsibilities include assisting during internal and external audits and supporting other activities related to safety reporting.

Why Apply?

This position offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience within South Africa’s national medicines regulatory authority.

Successful applicants will contribute to the monitoring of clinical trial safety while developing administrative and regulatory experience within the healthcare sector.

The role also provides exposure to clinical trial processes, pharmacovigilance systems, regulatory documentation, and national healthcare standards.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting an application:

  • Signed cover letter.
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Names and email addresses of three referees.
  • Copy of Matric certificate.
  • Copies of all relevant qualifications.
  • Copy of South African Identity Document.

Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents before the interview.

Applicants with foreign qualifications must also submit an evaluation certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Important Information

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Late applications submitted after the closing date and time will not be accepted.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If no communication is received within three months after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo various verification processes, including qualification verification, security screening, criminal record checks, citizenship verification, credit checks, and employment history verification before any appointment is made.

SAHPRA is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates from previously disadvantaged groups.

People living with disabilities and men are encouraged to apply.

The authority reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.

Personal information submitted during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the SAHPRA Website Online Portal: SAHPRA website (https://www.sahpra.org.za/vacancies) / Portal Link (https://apply.sahpra.org.za:6006/).

Applications sent by email will not be accepted.

Applicants should ensure that the position title and reference number SAHPRA 18 of 2026/27 are correctly reflected during the application process.

Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.

Closing Date: 09 July 2026 at 16:00

Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

Eligible candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.