Grants Administrative Officer (1 Post) (2-year Fixed Term Contract Appointment)

• The University is looking for an energetic individual who will be responsible for the administration of grants between DHET, Schools, and relevant departments in the planning, budgeting, and preparation of grant proposals at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University SMU. The role is also responsible for assisting in monitoring and coordinating the administration of grants to ensure full compliance with DHET requirements, as well as institutional budgeting, financial, and administrative policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks governing various grants. The incumbent reports to the Grants Coordinator and will furthermore meet the requirements and be responsible for the key performance areas listed below.

REQUIREMENTS

• A three 3 year Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management or Project Management
• At least three 3 years' relevant experience in grants administration, within higher education environment
• Knowledge of financial administration and reporting
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours to meet reporting deadlines, committee requirements, and funding submission timelines
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel when required for stakeholder engagement and institutional coordination
• Proven ability to navigate online platforms such as Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom and Microsoft Teams with requisite proficiency
• Advanced computer literacy, with strong proficiency in MS Office Suite Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and experience in database or grant management systems

COMPETENCIES

• Technical/professional knowledge
• Attention to detail
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good report writing and presentation skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Integrity and ability to keep confidential information
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Client service orientation
• Teamwork
• Committed and dedicated work ethos
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for the effective implementation, monitoring and coordination of grant programmes across Schools and Departments
• Assist in coordinating the preparation, reviewing and submission of grant reports, budgets, proposals and supporting documentation in accordance with institutional and DHET requirements
• Liaise with Schools, Departments, Finance, Human Resources, DHET and other relevant stakeholders on grant-related administrative, financial and programme matters
• Provide secretariat and coordination support to Grant Committees and meetings, including agendas, meeting packs, minutes, reports and action tracking
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date grant records, databases, electronic filing systems and supporting documentation to ensure effective record-keeping and audit readiness
• Assist Monitor grant expenditure against approved budgets and allocations, identify variances and assist with the preparation and processing of budget virements
• Verify and process grant-related financial transactions, claims and expenditure requests in accordance with approved budgets, grant conditions and institutional policies
• Assist with the preparation, monitoring and reconciliation of grant budgets and financial reports, and provide accurate financial information for management decision-making
• Coordinate grant-related meetings, workshops, site visits and stakeholder engagements, including logistical arrangements and follow-up of action items
• Assist in monitoring grant submission deadlines, reporting schedules, compliance requirements and programme milestones to ensure timely fulfilment of grant obligations
• Identify administrative, financial and compliance risks or gaps and assist in implementing appropriate corrective actions and improvements
• Provide administrative, financial and procedural support to Schools and Departments to promote effective grant management, compliance, accountability and utilisation of grant funds
• Contribute to the overall development of SMU and actively improve institutional culture
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Line Manager

Typed applications quoting the reference number which should contain comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of all qualifications and contact details of three referees, should be forwarded to Human Capital and Transformation, for the attention of Mr MJ Mopai, by e-mail to hr.recruitment6@smu.ac.za by not later 16h00 on the closing date as indicated on the advert.

Deadline:25th September,2026