Principal Administrative Officer - DHOS Office

Listing reference: ukzn_000868 Listing status: Online Apply by: 1 July 2026

Position summary

Industry: Education & Training Job category: University and Academy Location: Kwazulu Natal Contract: Permanent Remuneration: Market Related EE position: Yes

Introduction

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE, PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER – DHOS OFFICE (1X POST), (PEROMNES GRADE 8), SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCE, WESTVILLE/PIETERMARITZBURG/HOWARD COLLEGE CAMPUS, REFERENCE NO.: 0003/2026.

Job description

The School of Agriculture and Science seeks to appoint a highly organized, experienced, and dynamic Principal Administrative Officer to provide strategic, administrative, and operational support to the Office of the Dean and Head of School.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of the Dean's Office by delivering high-level executive support, coordinating governance and administrative processes, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. This position will also provide dedicated support to the Head of Research and Higher Degrees and the Head of Teaching and Learning, assisting with the implementation and monitoring of the School's strategic objectives. Additionally, the role involves data analytics, reporting, and support, wherein the candidate will engage in the compilation, analysis, and monitoring of strategic and operational information to enhance planning and decision-making.

The incumbent will report to the Manager: School Operations

Minimum requirements

• Matric and a relevant three-year qualification, degree or diploma.
• Five years of relevant experience, of which two years should be in a senior position with supervisory experience in an institution of higher learning.
• Fully computer literate with advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven report writing skills, including data sorting and analysis.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Agriculture and Science reserves the right not to fill the vacancy.

The closing date for receipt of application is Wednesday, 01 July 2026.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

• Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.

• Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.

• The University is committed to Employment Equity.

• The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.

• Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful

• Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.