Group Assistant at Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

Key Responsibilities

Office management

• Arrange and coordinate meetings and events as requested;
• Screen phone calls and incoming material/mail and keep the Network Manager updated;
• Ensure and promote a professional, friendly and informed first point of contact between SANBio Network Manager and clients and stakeholders;
• Assist in prioritising tasks and take proactive responsibility for relevant actions;
• Ensure that the office functions properly during frequent and varied absences of Network Manager;
• Take initiative and run errands to address office matters.

Administrative

• Take and distribute minutes, prepare agendas and follow up on action items;
• Organise local and international travel arrangements for the Network Manager;
• Prepare presentations, write correspondence, proofread and edit documents;
• Document management: type reports, disseminate and do quality checks;
• Maintain and update the filing system;
• Maintain stationery levels and regulate usage;
• Assist with other project-related activities within SANBio as required.

Event coordination

• Organise meetings and strategic breakaways including workshops and events;
• Coordinate and schedule staff meetings - gather agenda items and logistics related to offsite meetings including business and social events;
• Assist with co-ordination of client and stakeholder activities.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A National diploma in business administration or equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification, with at least three years' experience as a secretary or Personal Assistance to a Manager with a team dynamic;
• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent will be an advantage;
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office Suite and Open Office;
• Advanced internet search engine skills (Google, internet explorer, etc);
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Ability to always maintain highest level of confidentiality;
• High level of professionalism;
• Excellent organising skills;
• People Skills;
• Ability to multi-task and work towards multiple deadlines;
• Knowledge of government protocol will serve as an advantage;
• Knowledge of social media;
• Basic financial administration;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Desired Skills

• Ability to always maintain highest level of confidentiality
• Excellent organising skills
• People Skills
• Knowledge of government protocol will serve as an advantage
• Knowledge of social media
• Basic financial administration
• Office management skill
• Administrative skills
• Event coordination

Desired Work Experience

• 2 to 5 years Personal Assistant

Desired Qualification Level

• Diploma

About The Employer

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Group Assistant in the SANBio (Southern Africa Network for Biosciences) group, which is a hosted programme under Advanced Agriculture and Food Cluster within the Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division. SANBio is a shared research, development and innovation platform for working collaboratively to address some of Southern Africa's key health and nutrition issues. The incumbent will be responsible for running a highly efficient office with effective administration systems/processes. This position is based in Pretoria.