Vacancy: Administrator at PLAAS

Vacancy: Administrator at PLAAS

PLAAS seeks to appoint an Administrator to assist with departmental administrative procedures, ensuring alignment and compliance with central University administrative systems and processes.

Reports to: Finance & Operations Manager
Supervises: Student Assistants
Location: On-site, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Western Cape
Duration of contract: Full time, two years
Application deadline: Friday, 23 October 2026, 17:00 SAST
Download the full job description here

Key performance areas (KPAs)

The PLAAS Administrator’s responsibilities:

1. Provide administrative support to the Director, Finance and Operations Manager, and PLAAS researchers and staff, including the coordination of operational priorities, implementation of action plans, process improvement, and administrative controls.
2. Manage the PLAAS calendar, provide secretariat support for PLAAS meetings, convene monthly staff meetings, track actions and deadlines, and support institutional planning and reporting.
3. Coordinate workshops, events, seminars and meeting logistics; including catering and travel, liaising with service providers, venues, and other stakeholders.
4. Anchor and support effective use of PLAAS digital systems and manage office consumables, stationery, equipment, assets and shared resources, including stock monitoring, procurement and asset verification, and efficient resource use.
5. Manage the PLAAS offices and facilities, serve as the primary front-of-house representative for PLAAS, coordinate visitors, staff onboarding, and facilities requests.
6. Maintain effective records and administrative systems including the oversight of administrative support personnel, while supporting a professional, welcoming and compliant working environment.

Skills

We seek a person who combines excellent administrative skills, systems thinking, strong computer skills, and competence and experience of ethical AI use with interpersonal skills and a pleasant demeanour.

Minimum requirements

• A matric and a relevant three-year tertiary level qualification, with two years of relevant experience; OR a matric with three to five years of relevant experience. Candidates with a post matric qualification will be preferred; and
• Proficiency in: MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Slack.

Advantageous

• Administrative experience in a Higher Education environment and knowledge of student administration systems.

How to apply

Email us your CV and a one-page motivation letter that speaks to your experience as required in this detailed job description. Send your application to info@plaas.org.za, with the subject line “PLAAS Administrator application”. Applications close at 17:00 SAST on Friday, 23 October 2026.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.