Senior Assistant Officer (Post Level 12)
- Employer: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Department: Sustainable Food Systems and Development
- Job ID: 6540
- Contract Type: 1-Year Contract Appointment
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Closing Date: 27 July 2026
- Salary: R257 274 – R330 903 per annum
- Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a Senior Assistant Officer to provide comprehensive administrative, financial, academic and operational support to the ARC/DRD/DOA Chair.
The successful candidate will assist with office operations, financial administration, human resources, stakeholder engagement, governance, compliance and departmental logistics.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative, financial, academic and operational support to the Chair.
- Coordinate office operations, meetings, events, travel arrangements and communication.
- Support staff, students and external stakeholders.
- Assist with bursaries, procurement, budgeting and financial reporting.
- Track expenditure and support grant administration.
- Assist with financial controls and compliance.
- Coordinate HR administration and contract processes.
- Maintain records and assist with asset and facilities administration.
- Support departmental logistics and office operations.
- Assist with governance, audit, reporting and compliance activities.
- Perform ad hoc administrative and operational duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech degree or Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in:
- Office Management
- Business Management
- Administration
- Financial Management
- or a related field.
OR
- A three-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6 in a related field.
- At least 1 year’s relevant working experience in office administration, financial administration or operational support.
Recommended Experience
- At least 2 years’ experience in a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of UFS systems, including:
- PeopleSoft
- General Ledger
- University policies and procedures.
Key Competencies
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
- Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to follow rules, policies and procedures.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Ability to lead and provide direction.
- Strong teamwork and cooperation skills.
- Confident interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.