Management Assistant jobs in South Africa

UP Professional and Support — OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: PEOPLE AND CULTURE

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 8

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s top research-intensive universities, dedicated to producing high-quality, impactful research that addresses complex contemporary issues. It is one of the most significant producers of research and makes a major contribution to postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training, as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. It is home to the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. The University has developed the infrastructure and a number of research platforms, including the Future Africa Platform which support multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is continuously expanding its research partnerships and collaborations across the globe.

The University’s nine faculties and business school offer a wide spectrum of under- and postgraduate programmes that are recognised internationally. It offers quality education to a cohort of approximately 55 000 students from across the diversity of the South African population and awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred annually by public universities in South Africa.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the position of Executive Management Assistant in the office of the Executive Director – People and Culture.

• Provide comprehensive executive and administrative support to the Executive Director: People and Culture.
• Manage the Executive Director’s diary, correspondence, travel arrangements, and meeting schedules.
• Coordinate and prepare documentation for executive committees, governance structures, and senior management meetings.
• Draft, edit, and quality-assure high-level correspondence, submissions, reports, and presentations.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Executive Director’s office and internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor follow-ups, action items, and deadlines to ensure effective execution of decisions.
• Document management and record keeping.
• Assist with the coordination of strategic initiatives, projects, and events and meeting logistics within the People and Culture portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Handle all financial administration and procurement processes of the office as well as management of travel arrangements as and when required.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the Executive Office, addressing all external and internal queries.
• Office management and ensuring that all assets are in good working condition.

• A relevant degree or diploma in either secretarial, Office Administration, or Business Administration.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a senior or executive management support role, preferably within a higher education or complex organisational environment.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and related administrative systems.
• Knowledge of financial systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A valid driver’s licence

• Relevant Honours degree in Business Administration or related field;
• At least three years’ experience as an Executive Management Assistant;
• Experience working in a tertiary institution or a complex organisation;
• Certification and experience in project management;
• Certificates in MS Office Suite;
• Registration with the Professional Secretarial Body.

• Knowledge of and insight into the operations of tertiary education institutions;
• Knowledge of project and financial administration;
• Excellent language and communication skills;
• Excellent computer and technological skills;
• Time management skills and the ability to function independently;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Problem solving skills and the ability to work under pressure;
• Attention to detail and accuracy;
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good financial administration skills;
• Excellent MS Office suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) skills;
• Excellent business writing skills;
• Excellent relationship management skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

Applications that are submitted after the closing date, are incomplete or do not comply with at least the minimum requirements will not be considered.

20 February 2026

Ms Jeovitah Chimhamhiwa, Tel: (012) 420 6149 (e-mail: jeovitah.chimhamhiwa@up.ac.za) for application-related and role-related enquiries.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 May 2026 please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

Preference may be given under the University\u2019s Employment Equity Plan and its Employment Equity goals and targets, but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the appointment requirements are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record (including sexual offences), credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised position.