JOB PURPOSE:
The Research Grant Administrator facilitates grant management processes, supports financial planning, ensures compliance, coordinates logistics, and maintains efforts to enhance research funding success at UP for external grant applications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidates' responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
PreÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂaward administrative support:
Serve as a point of contact for researchers seeking information on research funding opportunities;
Offer support on grant application procedures and funding body expectations to ensure clarity and understanding among researchers;
Attend briefing and information sessions hosted by funding bodies, if required, to stay informed about potential external grant opportunities;
Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and subÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂrecipients, to gather and coordinate essential inputs such as letters of support, detailed project data and other relevant materials for research grant applications;
Financial administration:
Assist researchers in preparing and revising project budgets for grant applications;
Provide detailed guidance on allowable costs, coÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂfunding requirements, and financial reporting standards set by funding bodies and UP;
Act as a liaison between the PI, DRI administrators and UP's Finance department for preÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂapproval of grant budgets;
Offer training and consultation to UP researchers;
Logistics:
Plan and coordinate all logistical arrangements for internal review panels, briefing sessions, and other necessary meetings;
Ensure that venues are equipped with the necessary resources;
Arrange for refreshments and catering services as needed;
Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes and information packets to all participants in a timely manner;
Documentation and record keeping:
Maintain accurate records of all interactions, submissions and communications with researchers and funding bodies;
Maintain comprehensive records of all submitted grant applications, including those from external funding sources.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration or a related area;
A total of three years' experience in:
Grant management, research administration, or a similar field;
Financial administration, documentation and compliance related to grants.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
Knowledge of:
Grant funding policies and procedures from diverse funding sources;
Budgeting;
Regulatory compliance;
Communication and coordination;
Project management;
Data privacy regulations, such as POPIA;
Technical competencies:
Microsoft office suite and grant management software;
Grant management systems of different funding bodies;
US and UK federal grant platform;
Writing and editorial skills;
Database and record management;
Project management;
Presentation skills:
Behavioural competencies:
Attention to detail;
Communication skills;
Interpersonal skills;
Organizational skills;
Adaptability;
Initiative and proactivity;
Ethical integrity;
Teamwork and collaboration.
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
An Honours degree in a relevant field;
Two year's' experience in PeopleSoft Financial System;
Familiarity with grant management systems and processes of various external funding bodies;
Active membership to the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA);
Valid driver's license;
Certification in grant management or financial management.
CLOSING DATE: 17 March 2026