Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Grants Administrative Officer Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is actively pursuing a path of renewal, presenting unique opportunities to influence the training of medical, health, and scientific professionals. The university is seeking dedicated individuals to join its team.

This opportunity is for a Grants Administrative Officer on a 2-year fixed-term contract. The role involves the administration of grants between the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), various Schools, and relevant departments. It encompasses the planning, budgeting, and preparation of grant proposals within SMU, along with assisting in the monitoring and coordination of grant administration to ensure compliance with DHET requirements and institutional policies.

Minimum Requirements

• A three (3) year Diploma or Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management, or Project Management.
• At least three (3) years’ relevant experience in grants administration, specifically within a higher education environment.
• Knowledge of financial administration and reporting.
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours to meet reporting deadlines, committee requirements, and funding submission timelines.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for stakeholder engagement and institutional coordination when required.
• Proven ability to navigate online platforms such as Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams with requisite proficiency.
• Advanced computer literacy, with strong proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience in database or grant management systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for the effective implementation, monitoring, and coordination of grant programmes across Schools and Departments.
• Assist in coordinating the preparation, reviewing, and submission of grant reports, budgets, proposals, and supporting documentation in accordance with institutional and DHET requirements.
• Liaise with Schools, Departments, Finance, Human Resources, DHET, and other relevant stakeholders on grant-related administrative, financial, and programme matters.
• Provide secretariat and coordination support to Grant Committees and meetings, including preparing agendas, meeting packs, minutes, reports, and tracking actions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date grant records, databases, electronic filing systems, and supporting documentation to ensure effective record-keeping and audit readiness.
• Assist in monitoring grant expenditure against approved budgets and allocations, identify variances, and assist with the preparation and processing of budget virements.
• Verify and process grant-related financial transactions, claims, and expenditure requests in accordance with approved budgets, grant conditions, and institutional policies.
• Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and reconciliation of grant budgets and financial reports.

What the Work Involves

As a Grants Administrative Officer, you will be instrumental in the smooth running of grant programmes at SMU. Your daily tasks will include comprehensive administrative support, from preparing and reviewing grant proposals and reports to coordinating budgets and financial transactions. You will regularly liaise with various internal departments like Finance and Human Resources, as well as external stakeholders including the DHET.

The role involves providing secretariat support for Grant Committees, requiring you to prepare meeting documents and track action items. You will be responsible for maintaining meticulous grant records and databases, ensuring audit readiness. Monitoring expenditure, identifying variances, and processing financial requests are also key components of the work. You will report to the Grants Coordinator. The position may require working outside of normal office hours to meet deadlines and travel for stakeholder engagement. You will regularly utilise online platforms like Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, alongside advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite and grant management systems.

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application via email to:

hr.recruitment6@smu.ac.za

Ensure your email subject line clearly indicates the position you are applying for and the reference number, for example: "Grants Administrative Officer – Ref 58/2026/MJM/P12".