PERSONAL ASSISTANT (PA) to the Vice-Chancellor (VC)

(Payclass 09, Permanent)

OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR (OVC)

                                                                                  Applications are invited for the position of Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (VC). This is a key position in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, providing high-level executive and administrative support to the University’s most senior executive leader. The role is critical to supporting the VC’s leadership, enabling effective decision-making, and contributing to the professional functioning of the OVC.

The incumbent will serve as a trusted point of contact for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, discretion, and judgment in managing the complex demands of the VC’s office. This includes ensuring the efficient flow of information, coordinating engagements, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

Requirements:

• A relevant qualification at least at NQF 6
• At least 10 years’ recent and relevant professional experience providing high-level executive administrative support in a fast-paced office environment, effectively balancing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating international travel and complex logistics.
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines with accuracy.
• Demonstrated computer literacy in Microsoft Office (advanced Word; intermediate Excel and PowerPoint).
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a range of diverse stakeholders, students, and public figures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise initiative, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively as part of a team in a complex environment.
• High levels of professionalism, client service orientation, stress tolerance, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work outside standard office hours and travel nationally or internationally as required, supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s engagements.

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of academic processes and governance in a higher education institution.
• Prior experience as a Personal Assistant to an executive leader in a university or similarly complex organisation.
• A range of productivity tools such as Google Suite

Responsibilities:

• Provide dedicated executive and administrative support to the Vice-Chancellor, ensuring the smooth running of the office.
• Manage and maintain the VC’s diary, prioritising commitments and ensuring timely preparation of documentation and briefing materials.
• Organise activities in the VC’s office so that it functions as an efficient hub for information and documentation flow between the VC’s office and other internal and external offices.
• Coordinate local and international travel arrangements, itineraries, and logistics, including flights, transport, accommodation, and special events.
• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, agendas, minutes, and reports; track actions and follow up on decisions.
• Act as a professional liaison with internal and external stakeholders, exercising diplomacy and discretion.
• Organise and service meetings, events, and special projects in support of the VC’s strategic and operational priorities.
• Assist with financial processes linked to the VC’s operational, discretionary, and project budgets.
• Contribute to the effectiveness and professionalism of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor as part of the executive support team.
• Build strong internal and external relationships to promote collaboration and maintain a professional image.
• Respond efficiently to queries and requests, ensuring issues are addressed proactively and timeously.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R513 345 and R603 933.

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (www.jobs.uct.ac.za). Internal and External Applicants to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application (this is an absolute requirement):

•             A letter of motivation, highlighting and addressing your qualifications and relevant experience; and

•             Curriculum Vitae (CV) with 3 contactable referees, including your most recent line manager, if possible.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at abigail.dixon@uct.ac.za or 021 650 1673

Website: www.hr.uct.ac.za                                                           Closing date: 17 October 2025    

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.