Company: Rhodes University
Position: Project Administrator (Grade 10)
Department: Sociology & Industrial Sociology
Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape
Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Contract Duration: Approximately 4 years
Salary: R367,497 – R499,206 per annum
Closing Date: 11 September 2026
Project Administrator Opportunity
Rhodes University is inviting suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for a Project Administrator position supporting the NRF–SARChI Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.
The successful candidate will provide essential administrative, financial and operational support to a multidisciplinary research team. The role involves assisting academics, researchers, postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students while ensuring that the research programme’s financial and administrative activities are properly managed.
The position offers an opportunity to work within a research environment focused on rural development, inequality, land-related issues, climate vulnerability, sustainable development and social and ecological justice.
Key Responsibilities
The appointed Project Administrator will be expected to contribute to the smooth running of the research programme by:
- Managing day-to-day administrative activities for the research group.
- Supporting financial administration and monitoring expenditure.
- Preparing accurate financial information and reports in accordance with university and funder requirements.
- Reconciling and investigating different accounts and financial records.
- Maintaining organised filing and administrative systems.
- Supporting researchers and postgraduate students with practical and operational requirements.
- Coordinating meetings, functions and research-related events.
- Managing relevant electronic records, correspondence and documentation.
- Providing general administrative support to the Chair and research team.
- Assisting with communication, website updates and promotional activities where required.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12.
- Approximately four years of relevant work experience.
- Practical knowledge of financial management and accounting principles.
- Experience consolidating financial records or accounts using electronic systems.
- Experience investigating and reconciling multiple accounts.
- Experience working with computerised accounting systems.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Good working knowledge of word-processing applications, email and internet-based systems.
- Experience creating and maintaining databases.
- The ability to establish and maintain effective filing and administrative systems.
A relevant post-matric qualification would be an advantage.
Additional Skills That Could Strengthen Your Application
Experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial:
- Social media marketing.
- Website administration and content updates.
- Designing posters or promotional material.
- Personal Assistant duties.
- Media management.
- Planning and coordinating events or functions.
Salary and Contract
The position is classified at Grade 10, with a remuneration range of R367,497 to R499,206 per annum. The advertised role is a fixed-term appointment of approximately four years.
The university indicates a total cost to company of approximately R499,206 per annum.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the Rhodes University online recruitment system before the closing date.
Applicants are required to provide a comprehensive CV together with relevant qualifications. The CV should include reasons for leaving previous and current employment, as well as contact details for appropriate referees, preferably direct line managers.
A strong and concise motivation letter explaining your interest in the position and demonstrating how your experience matches the requirements should also accompany the application.
Incomplete applications or applications that fail to address the questions and documentation requirements may be disqualified.
Important Information
The closing date is 11 September 2026, and Rhodes University may close the vacancy earlier if it receives a large number of applications. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The provisional shortlisting meeting is scheduled for 18 September 2026. The selection process may include an assessment or presentation followed by an interview.
If an applicant has not been contacted within 30 days after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Application deadline: 11 September 2026
Note: Always verify the vacancy and submit your application through the official Rhodes University recruitment process. Careerjobs24.co.za is not the employer and does not recruit candidates on behalf of Rhodes University.