Chief Officer (Programme Assistant)

at South African Medical Research Council
Published November 4, 2026
Expires November 15, 2026
Location Cape Town, South Africa
Category Administration  
Job Type Full-Time  

Description

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites applications for a Programme Assistant (C) position within the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships (SHIP) Programme in the Grants, Innovation and Product Development (GIPD) Division.
Job Description
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) invites applications for a Programme Assistant (C) position within the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships (SHIP) Programme in the Grants, Innovation and Product Development (GIPD) Division.

Reporting to the SHIP Senior Programme Managers, the successful candidate will provide administrative, operational, financial, and stakeholder liaison support to ensure the effective implementation of SHIP programmes and strategic initiatives, including national and international research and innovation partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Administration

Coordinate the preparation of programme reports, presentations, proposals, concept notes, and funder submissions.
Maintain programme records, databases, contracts, and document management systems.
Coordinate the collection and validation of programme outputs and activities for reporting and audit purposes.
Support budget monitoring, invoice tracking, payments, and contract renewal processes.
Ensure accurate filing and record-keeping of programme and project documentation.
Administrative Support

Provide diary and calendar management for programme managers.
Coordinate meetings, workshops, steering committee meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
Arrange travel, accommodation, venues, catering, and meeting logistics.
Process procurement requests, payment requests, and travel claims in accordance with SAMRC policies and procedures.
Liaise with internal support units, including Finance, Supply Chain Management, Legal Services, Communications, and Events Management.
Stakeholder Liason

Support the planning and coordination of stakeholder meetings and events.
Maintain stakeholder databases and participant records.
Prepare and distribute agendas, meeting packs, minutes, and action trackers.
Assist with the development of stakeholder communication materials, including reports, presentations, newsletters, and website content
Duration:

3 year contract

Remuneration:

R537 033 per annum, cost to company

Job Requirements
Core Requirements:

3-year tertiary qualification in business management, public administration, secretarial, office management or verified alternative equivalent on NQF6
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in secretarial & office management, public administration, or project management with experience in managing scheduling for two managers or more, experience in procurement, financial administration and event coordination
Advantageous:

Certificate in Financial Administration and/or Supply Chain Administration
Experience working in a public funding and/or research environment or similar
Experience of working within the prescripts of the PFMA
Experience with the JDE Financial Management System and financial administration

Please send your resume/CV