About Company
Rhodes University, situated in the picturesque city of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a public research university that stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. Established in 1904, Rhodes has a rich history of fostering critical thinking, research, and community engagement. As one of the oldest and most respected universities in South Africa, it offers a vibrant intellectual environment, attracting students and staff from across the globe. We are committed to producing graduates who are well-rounded, socially responsible, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. Our diverse range of faculties and research institutes constantly engage in projects that push the boundaries of knowledge, address societal challenges, and promote sustainable development. Joining Rhodes means becoming part of a legacy of learning, discovery, and impact within a supportive and dynamic community.
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Job Description
Are you a highly organized, detail-oriented individual with a passion for supporting dynamic projects? Rhodes University is seeking a dedicated Junior Project Coordinator with administrative support capabilities for a crucial contract role. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic professional looking to gain valuable experience in project management within a leading academic institution. In this role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of various projects by providing comprehensive administrative and coordination support. You will work closely with project managers and team members, assisting with scheduling, documentation, communication, and resource tracking. Your contributions will directly impact project timelines, budget adherence, and overall success. This position requires a proactive approach, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for maintaining project files, preparing reports, organizing meetings, and facilitating information flow among all stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a quick learner, eager to take initiative, and committed to delivering high-quality administrative support that empowers our project teams to achieve their objectives. This contract role offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the academic and research environment, contributing to initiatives that have a tangible impact on education and society. If you thrive in a structured yet dynamic setting and are ready to apply your administrative prowess to meaningful projects, we encourage you to apply and contribute to our mission of academic excellence and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to project managers and project teams.
- Assist in the creation, maintenance, and tracking of project documentation, including plans, schedules, reports, and budgets.
- Coordinate and schedule meetings, prepare agendas, record minutes, and distribute relevant materials.
- Facilitate internal and external communication among project stakeholders, ensuring timely information dissemination.
- Monitor project progress against established timelines and objectives, flagging potential delays or issues.
- Assist with data entry, record-keeping, and the maintenance of project management software/systems.
- Prepare presentations, reports, and other project-related correspondence as required.
- Support the onboarding and offboarding of contract staff and ensure necessary resources are available.
- Manage office supplies, equipment, and logistical arrangements for project activities.
- Undertake ad-hoc administrative tasks to support the overall efficiency of project operations.
Required Skills
- Proven administrative support experience, ideally in a project-oriented environment.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively under pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
- A relevant certificate or diploma in Administration, Project Management, or a related field.
- Familiarity with project management methodologies or tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira, or similar).
- Previous experience working within an academic or research institution.
- Experience with financial administration or budget tracking.
- Ability to learn new software and systems quickly.
Perks & Benefits
- Opportunity to gain valuable project coordination experience within a prestigious university setting.
- Exposure to diverse and impactful academic and research projects.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
- Access to university facilities (e.g., library resources, potentially sporting facilities, subject to university policy for contractors).
- Being part of a community committed to knowledge creation and societal contribution.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by clicking the link below. Please ensure your CV and a concise cover letter outlining your suitability for this contract role are attached. In your cover letter, highlight your administrative experience and why you are passionate about supporting project success. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply promptly.
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