Administrative Assistant 

Employer: University of Cape Town 

Location: South Africa 

Closing Date: 20 November 2024 

The Writing Centre, located within the Language Development Group, is a student-oriented space which aims to provide mediation in the process of academic writing for students at all levels of study. We aim to enhance understanding of writing as a process and encourage a thinking-through-writing approach.

The main purpose of this permanent full-time position is to:

• Provide a professional and friendly face to the students and staff at the front desk of the Writing Centre;
• Ensure the smooth bookings of appointments and subsequent capturing of these on the online database for reporting purposes;
• Gather and compile data for use in the Writing Centre Co-ordinator’s reporting to departments and funders;
• Oversee 12 part-time postgraduate tutors (in terms of time management and booking schedules);
• Provide administrative support for Writing Centre workshops; 
• Organize and disseminate online and hard copy materials;
• Provide administrative support for the selection process and training of staff;
• Advertise Writing Centre services;
• Maintain the website;
• Do general administration to maintain the smooth running of the Writing Centre.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 and a post-matric certificate;
• 3 – 5 years relevant administrative experience in a higher educational institution/ context;
• Experience of liaising with academic staff and students;
• Computer literacy: experience in managing databases, online learning platforms and working with websites, and working in the online environment;
• Due to the nature of the Writing Centre work, the administrative assistant needs to be highly articulate in spoken, written, and visual communication.
• Digital skills and the ability to operate online and remotely if and when necessary

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience of working in a Writing Centre environment.
• Experience in working with Vula/Amathuba
• Multilingualism

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and maintain the work roster for consultants;
• Manage student bookings;
• Process salary claims of Writing Centre consultants;
• Provide administrative support for Writing Centre workshops provided to all faculties;
• Mentor new consultants in the processes of the Writing Centre;
• Organize and disseminate online and hard copy materials;
• Gather and compile data for reports to funders/academic departments;
• Serve as a receptionist at the front desk;
• Maintain the Writing Centre website, blog and online platforms;
• Communicate with students; 
• Liaise with academic staff as required;
• Advertise the Writing Centre services;

The annual cost of employment, including benefits (where applicable), is between R378 203 and R444 945

How to Apply 

To apply, please e-mail the below documents in a single pdf file to Dr Pfupajena Machingauta at pfupajena.machingauta@uct.ac.za

• UCT Application Form (download at http://forms.uct.ac.za/hr201.doc)
• Motivational letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements of the job, 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), and

Please ensure the title and reference number are indicated in the subject line. An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.

Telephone: 021 650 3219 Website: www.uct.ac.za

Reference number: E241104 

Closing date: 18 November 2024