Senior Assistant Officer at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Perform routine office administrative functions to support efficient operations.
• Attend and actively participate in sectional, general staff, and quarterly meetings.
• Manage and respond to all verbal and written enquiries from students, landlords, parents/guardians, and funding partners in a professional and timely manner.
• Verify completeness and accuracy of supporting documentation submitted by students and funders.
• Provide support to students in capturing and uploading bursary-related information onto the system.
• Assist funding partners by supplying required information and documentation as requested.
• Ensure the correct allocation of funds.
• Reconcile funder payments against student accounts and proactively follow up on outstanding amounts.
• Compile and submit reports to management on payments received from funders.
• Identify and highlight funders with growth potential and escalate opportunities to management for further engagement.
• Provide general support with other bursary-related and administrative tasks as required.
• Monitor and control bursary allocations to ensure that no student is awarded more than one full-cost bursary.

Inherent requirements:

• Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF level 4. 
• Minimum of one (1) year relevant experience in bursary, student funding, financial, or administrative support. 

Recommendations:

• Knowledge and understanding of computer programs (PeopleSoft, Word, Excel and Internet).
• Work experience in the Higher Education context, especially bursaries, dealing with staff, students and parents.
• Knowledge of bursary requirements and rules.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Closing date:
11  August 2026