Research Administrator (Dissertations) at Mancosa

CORE FUNCTIONS
PROCESSING OF MASTER’S DISSERTATIONS:

• Verification of student’s registration status to confirm that they have submitted within the allotted period
• Submission of dissertations through the Turnitin system, and interrogation of Turnitin similarity reports to determine if plagiarism has occurred
• Facilitating student plagiarism consultations
• Fair allocation/distribution of dissertations to assessors for internal review, internal checking, and external examination respectively, and acting as an intermediary between the student and assessor if additional feedback/clarity is required
• Internal checking of dissertations: Check resubmitted dissertations to ensure that the student has effected all necessary changes as recommended by the internal reviewer
• Processing of re-examinations: Where a marked discrepancy is identified, or on a student submitting an assessment appeal form, identify a suitable examiner to undertake the remark process

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION:

•  Timeously attend to all queries (email, telephonic, face-to-face)
•  Ensure that students are provided with regular updates regarding the status of dissertation processing (standard quick parts to be used)
•  Effective management of admin databases (excel and student information system).
•  Ensure that draft dissertations and Turnitin similarity reports are saved within the dissertations repository
•  Follow up with students who have not resubmitted work within the stipulated timeframes
• Arrange for student consultations with research coordinators
• Act as an intermediary between the student and other MANCOSA staff- where there is a requirement to apply for an extension/ re-register
• Conduct regular recons with the ratifications administrator to ensure that all students are accounted for on the ratification/graduation eligibility list
• Email appropriate guidelines, templates, and resources to students as required
• Assistance with ad-hoc administrative tasks as requested by management

ASSISTANCE WITH ADHOC EVENTS:

• Assist with Research initiatives and/or events as required (e.g. student webinars, stakeholder engagement sessions)
• Assist with MANCOSA events as required (e.g. support during Online Summative Assessments, allocated duties at Graduation ceremonies)

Minimum Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:

• An undergraduate degree or diploma

 EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• At least 12 months of administrative experience
• Experience within a higher education institution is preferable

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Good telephone etiquette
• Assertiveness and ability to deal with difficult stakeholders
• Strong administration skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Time management skills and ability to adhere to deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
• Honesty and integrity
• Sound moral and ethical principles

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be requested to work overtime or on weekends due to operational requirements

 Desired Skills:

• Problem-Solving Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reporting Skills