Basic Education Senior Administrative Officer Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a dedicated Senior Administrative Officer to join its Delivery and Support Project NEEDU branch in Pretoria. This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the administration and support functions crucial for educational initiatives.

The successful candidate will play a key part in managing data, coordinating research-related activities, and ensuring the smooth operation of administrative processes within the Basic Education sector. This position is ideal for individuals with strong administrative skills and a passion for supporting South African education.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant post-matric qualification (NQF Level 6) or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA, with three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) years of experience working within the Basic Education Sector.
• Knowledge of education policy and legislation.
• Strong language proficiency in Sepedi and isiZulu.
• An understanding of Whole-School Evaluation (WSE).
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• An understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology.
• Sound analytical skills.
• Proficiency in report writing and presentations, including MS PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Computer skills in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• Ability to work independently without supervision and meet targets.
• Willingness to work extensive hours and be prepared to travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Transcribing and recording interviews verbatim to prepare for data analysis.
• Capturing and collecting data from schools, district offices, and provincial offices using questionnaires.
• Cleaning and sorting data captured in various databases.
• Sorting and packaging documents collected by researchers from the field.
• Assisting in contacting schools and districts for researcher visits and document follow-ups.
• Training, supervising, and guiding a team responsible for data capturing and cleaning.
• Scanning and filing completed data instruments.
• Formatting prepared reports.
• Maintaining Leave and Risk Registers.
• Monitoring expenditures using monthly cashflow statements.
• Making travel arrangements for researchers collecting data.
• Quality-assuring researchers’ S&T claim forms before submission for payment.
• Carrying out other activities as assigned by the Supervisor.