Jobs 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

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RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• The  will be responsible for rendering a project‑driven facilities planning and construction management function on both a strategic and operational level in the Department of Facilities Management, ensuring that all work directly supports the mission of the University through optimal project delivery;
• The incumbent will manage, coordinate, and deliver major construction, renovation, renewal, and infrastructure projects across the University of Pretoria’s multi‑campus higher‑education environment;
• The incumbent will further be responsible for the planning, design coordination, scheduling, contract administration, and execution of multidisciplinary building and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance, performance, and protection of the University’s built heritage. Emphasis is placed on strong project management capability and the ability to lead complex projects to completion;
• The incumbent will lead a team of Project Managers, overseeing performance, mentoring, work allocation, and development, while setting project‑delivery standards and ensuring consistent, excellent project management practices.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

• A relevant 4-year or Honours degree in the Built Environment, Project Management, Engineering, or a related field, equivalent to NQF Level 8;
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in the following , (of which 2 years in management): 
  • Project management experience within the construction industry;
  • Staff and Stakeholder management experience.
• Registration with a relevant professional council.
• A valid driver’s license.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES): 

• Knowledge of building practices, systems, and construction;
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to the built environment;
• Advanced knowledge of building contracts, accounting, budgeting, and administration;
• Proficient computer literacy (MS Office);
• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals, either verbally or in writing, to ensure understanding;
• Ability to confer with others to reach resolutions and explore alternatives to achieve outcomes that gain support and acceptance from all parties;
• Ability to manage difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution or adherence to laws and/or regulations, using appropriate interpersonal skills to reduce tension and resolve conflict;
• Skill and ability in coordinating, facilitating, and participating collaboratively to complete tasks or assignments;
• Ability to establish expectations and provide clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work for a team;
• Ability to maintain social, ethical, and organizational norms, and firmly adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships to encourage and support communication and teamwork.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:  

• Post graduate qualification in the Built Environment;
• Postgraduate management qualification or further training (e.g., MBA, MBL, or MSc);
• At least 6 years’ experience in an institute of higher education.

CLOSING DATE: 19 February 2026.