Senior Officer USDP Research Grants (5-year Contract) at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Pre-Award Administrative Support:

•  Assisting with the preparation and dissemination of call documents;
• Communicating with USDP managers about the outcome of the screening;
• Assisting in ensuring that the application review process is completed according to the USDP framework;
• Assisting in the finalization and submission of the funding recommendations to the funder;
• Assisting with on-boarding of USDP mentors and coaches.

Post-Award Administrative Support:

• Completing award letter templates for all approved funding decisions;
• Communicating with universities on funding outcomes;
• Ensuring that grant agreements are fully signed and budget forms are accurately completed;
• Assisting in the disbursement of funds to successful applications.

Monitoring, reporting and financial administration:

• Maintaining accurate records of disbursements or payments to universities, fellows, facilitators and service providers;
• Tracking financial expenditures of recipients’ grants based on bi-annual reports;
• Assisting in updating and maintaining a comprehensive and accurate database of all USDP recipients;
• Preparing summary reports, charts, and data sheets for stakeholder meetings.

Project Administration and Operations:

• Assisting the line manager to co-ordinate strategy development of the USDP programme;
• Monitoring project calendar, planned milestones, deliverables, and activities as agreed by partners;
• Actively participate in the USDP activities such as the mentorship programme, information sessions, induction etc;
• Managing the USDP website and regularly update the website with latest information.

Research Capacity Development Event Support:

• Assisting with planning and logistics of the UCDP Annual Colloquium;
• Disseminating early career opportunities with USDP recipients;
• Provide on-site and virtual support during programme events and ensure proper registration, attendance, and feedback capture;
• Assist with post-event documentation, including report writing, financial claims, and archiving materials.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant National 3-year Diploma;
• 3 Years of experience;
• Experience in general administration in the Higher Education Landscape;
• Good understanding of the higher education system in South Africa;
• Knowledge of the policy and legal framework regulating the South African higher education system;
• Experience in working with donors, foundations and international partners;
• Project administration experience.