Executive Management Assistant - Executive at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful incumbent provides high-level administrative, coordination, secretarial and strategic support to the Executive Director and contributes to the effective functioning of the office of the Executive Director: People and Culture. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Provide comprehensive executive and administrative support to the Executive Director: People and Culture.
• Manage the Executive Director’s diary, correspondence, travel arrangements, and meeting schedules.
• Coordinate and prepare documentation for executive committees, governance structures, and senior management meetings.
• Draft, edit, and quality-assure high-level correspondence, submissions, reports, and presentations.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Executive Director’s office and internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor follow-ups, action items, and deadlines to ensure effective execution of decisions.
• Document management and record keeping 
• Assist with the coordination of strategic initiatives, projects, and events and meeting logistics within the People and Culture portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Handle all financial administration and procurement processes of the office as well as management of travel arrangements as and when required.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the Executive Office, addressing all external and internal queries.
• Office management and ensuring that all assets are in good working condition.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A relevant degree or diploma in either secretarial, Office Administration, Business Administration 
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a senior or executive management support role, preferably within a higher education or complex organisational environment.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and related administrative systems.
• Knowledge of financial systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A valid driver’s licence

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• Relevant Honours degree in Business Administration or related field;
• At least three years’ experience as an Executive Management Assistant;
• Experience working in a tertiary institution or a complex organisation;
• Certification and experience in project management;
• Certificates in MS Office Suite;
• Registration with the Professional Secretarial Body.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Knowledge of and insight into the operations of tertiary education institutions;
• Knowledge of project and financial administration;
• Excellent language and communication skills;
• Excellent computer and technological skills;
• Time management skills and the ability to function independently;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure;
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good financial administration skills;
• Excellent MS Office suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) skills;
• Excellent business writing skills;
• Excellent relationship management skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision

CLOSING DATE: 20 FEBRUARY 2026