Rhodes University Admin Assistant (Procurement)

Rhodes University invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Admin Assistant (Procurement) position. This vacancy comes with valuable long-term career prospects, and the closing date for applications is 21 November 2025. If you have experience in administration, data processing, or procurement, this could be one of the most promising roles you will find this year.

Why This Position Matters and Why Many People Are Paying Attention

Working in the Procurement Department at Rhodes University gives you the chance to be at the heart of an important support system. Procurement plays a major role in keeping the university running smoothly. Every purchase order, every supplier query, and every transaction has to be handled with accuracy and care. Because of this, the Admin Assistant position is a key part of daily operations.

What makes this role especially attractive is that it offers stability, growth, and the chance to work in a well-respected academic institution known for high standards. It is a Grade 8 permanent post (although the university may choose a fixed-term contract of at least three years), which means job security and competitive benefits.

What You Will Be Expected To Do in This Role

This position focuses on providing a professional and efficient procurement service. You will deal with purchase orders from the moment they are created until they are closed, handle supplier queries, and give support to staff members who use procurement systems.

Here are some of the main responsibilities:

Managing Purchase Orders

You will be responsible for creating purchase orders from requisitions, tracking them, and making sure they are processed correctly. Your job will be to follow every step until the order is closed. This requires attention to detail and the ability to work with high volumes of information.

Helping Suppliers and Future Suppliers

Many suppliers contact the university for assistance, especially when registering on the supplier database. You will manage these queries professionally, making sure suppliers receive the help they need. You will also provide helpdesk support to prospective suppliers who want to register.

Supporting Staff Members

Part of your role includes giving functional and end-user support to requisitioners. These are the people who request items or services for their departments. You will guide them through the procurement process and ensure they follow the right procedures.

Working With Systems and Data

The job involves working in a computerized environment, capturing and processing data in a mainframe system, and maintaining electronic administrative records. You must be comfortable working under pressure, using digital systems, and handling large volumes of information.

What You Need To Qualify

To be considered for this role, you must have:

• Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification
• Around 3 years of relevant experience in a similar environment

Your experience should include the following:

• Working in a busy computerized accounting or administrative environment
• Using and managing electronic administrative systems
• Capturing and processing high volumes of data
• Previous procurement or supplier database experience
• Experience using the Oracle Cloud finance system (this is a strong advantage)

If you have worked in procurement or administration before, this role will make good use of your background.

How to Apply Correctly

Rhodes University requires candidates to read the job profile carefully and submit all needed documents. Missing information can lead to disqualification, so it is important to double-check everything before submitting.

You must include:

• A full CV with all qualifications
• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs
• Contact details of referees who were your direct managers
• A strong motivation explaining why you want the job and why you believe you are suitable

The university does not accept handwritten applications. Everything must be submitted online through their recruitment system.

If you have any questions about submitting your application, you may call 046 603 8753.

What to Expect After Applying

The selection process will include shortlisting, assessments or presentations, and interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of all dates.

The remuneration package for Grade 8 includes:

• Basic pensionable salary per year: R266 637
• Approximate cost to company per year: R371 071

All applications are handled confidentially. Please note that the university may close the vacancy earlier if they receive many applications, so applying early is important.

If you do not hear back within 30 days after the closing date, your application was not successful.

Commitment to Fair and Inclusive Hiring

Rhodes University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented designated groups, persons with disabilities, and spouses or partners of current staff. All appointments follow the Employment Equity Act, Immigration Act, and the university’s recruitment policies.

The university’s values—Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Collegiality, and Compassion—shape how they work, decide, and treat each other. These values guide their mission to create a supportive and positive working environment.