North-West University Senior Administrative Assistant Vacancy 2026 – Permanent Position for Qualified Applicants

The North-West University (NWU) is inviting applications for a Senior Administrative Assistant position at its Campus within the Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Excellence for Nutrition. This is a permanent employment opportunity for candidates with an administrative qualification and at least three years of relevant administrative experience.

The successful candidate will provide senior administrative support to the Research Director and assist with office management, postgraduate student administration, research activities and financial administration.

Applicants with experience in higher education, postgraduate student administration and financial processes are encouraged to apply.

NWU Senior Administrative Assistant Vacancy Details

• Company: North-West University (NWU)
• Job Title: Senior Administrative Assistant
• Position Number: P001545
• Listing Reference: nwu_004869
• Peromnes Grade: P12
• Faculty: Health Sciences
• Department: Centre of Excellence for Nutrition
• Campus: Potchefstroom
• Location: Potchefstroom, North West
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Industry: Education and Training
• Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 and an administrative certificate or diploma
• Experience: At least three years
• Planned Commencement: As soon as possible

The annual total remuneration package will be determined according to the level of appointment and NWU policy guidelines.

Important: Applicants who previously applied for this position do not need to submit another application, as the university already has their applications.

Purpose of the Position

The Senior Administrative Assistant will support the daily operations of the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition and the office of its Research Director.

The role involves coordinating administrative activities, assisting researchers, supporting postgraduate student programmes and handling financial administration. The successful candidate must ensure that records, transactions and administrative processes are accurate and complete.

Key Responsibilities

The appointed candidate will perform a range of administrative duties, including:

1. Director’s Administration and Office Management

• Manage the Research Director’s diary and schedule appointments.
• Assist with updating the Director’s curriculum vitae.
• Support the preparation of annual research reports.
• Receive visitors and manage visitor arrangements.
• Organise workshops, courses, meetings and functions.
• Prepare agendas and finalise meeting minutes.
• Maintain the Centre’s website and notice boards.
• Handle stationery orders, printing, copying and general office administration.
• Coordinate vehicle, venue and travel bookings.
• Manage correspondence, confidential documents and courier services.

2. Postgraduate Programme Administration

• Respond to enquiries from prospective, current and international students.
• Assist with postgraduate applications and student records.
• Monitor student performance information.
• Provide information about bursaries and exchange programmes.
• Manage Turnitin submissions through eFundi.
• Assist with postgraduate title registrations and related documentation.

3. Financial Administration

• Use the NWU KFS financial system.
• Process and manage electronic financial transactions.
• Assist with staff and student financial matters.
• Support financial documentation and administrative processes.

4. Research Administration and Records Management

• Coordinate information relating to conference contributions and presentations.
• Collect research publications and prepare information for research awards.
• Maintain and manage records across relevant university systems.
• Ensure that information is properly stored and accessible.

5. Occupational Health and Safety

• Follow workplace health and safety regulations.
• Report faults, breakages and maintenance issues.
• Participate in required safety training and drills.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification (NQF Level 4).
• An administrative certificate or diploma (NQF Level 5 or 6).
• At least three years of administrative experience.
• Experience in postgraduate student administration, general office management and records management.

Added Advantages

• Experience in the higher education sector.
• Financial administration experience.

Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Experience with postgraduate student administration and student lifecycle systems such as VSS.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of financial principles, budgeting and reporting.
• Ability to multitask and work accurately under pressure.
• Ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork, adaptability and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to follow and enforce policies and procedures.

Final Thoughts

This permanent NWU vacancy is an opportunity for experienced administrative professionals seeking to advance their careers in the higher education and research environment.

Candidates with the required administrative qualification and three years of relevant experience should carefully review the requirements and submit complete applications before the deadline.

How to Apply