Research Programme Coordinator (Contract)

SUMMARY:

Cape Town | Hybrid | 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract

15 Hours Per Week | 2 Days Per Week | R15 000 - R18 000
Are you a highly organised, proactive professional with a passion for project coordination, operational excellence and stakeholder engagement?

Our client, a respected professional body operating within South Africa's financial and actuarial services sector, is seeking an experienced Research Programme Coordinator to provide essential operational, administrative and project coordination support to its Research function.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who thrives on managing multiple priorities, improving processes and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Reporting directly to the Head of Research, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating research initiatives, supporting governance structures, managing stakeholder relationships and ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the research office.

Please forward your CV to ellarine@obr.co.za or apply here.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Coordinate and monitor research projects, tracking milestones, deliverables, deadlines and overall progress. Maintain project schedules, prepare progress reports, dashboards and management updates. Provide secretariat and administrative support to research committees, including meeting agendas, minutes, documentation and follow-up actions. Coordinate meetings and engagements with researchers, volunteers, external partners and other stakeholders. Manage research-related administrative processes, including contracts, procurement, invoices and prize adjudications. Maintain accurate research records, documentation, templates and central information repositories. Assist with research monitoring, reporting and the preparation of information for internal and external stakeholders. Liaise with Communications and Marketing teams regarding research updates, website content and project announcements. Support the maintenance of research topic databases, including basic desktop research and coordination of research topic submissions. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve workflows and strengthen operational efficiency. Minimum Requirements A relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent tertiary qualification is preferred. Approximately 5 years' experience in project coordination, programme administration, research support or a similar professional environment would be advantageous. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint. Previous exposure to project management, reporting, committee administration or governance processes would be beneficial. Excellent organisational, administrative and stakeholder coordination skills. Strong digital literacy and the ability to adapt quickly to new systems and technologies. Basic financial understanding, particularly relating to procurement, invoicing and administrative controls. Relevant practical experience and demonstrated capability will also be considered in the absence of formal qualifications. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who: Is exceptionally organised, structured and meticulous in their approach. Can confidently manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines. Demonstrates initiative, accountability and the ability to work independently. Communicates professionally and effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Has a natural ability to coordinate people, processes and information. Is comfortable working collaboratively with professional staff, volunteers and external partners. Takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work. Enjoys identifying practical solutions and improving operational processes. Employment Details & Remuneration Location: Cape Town, Western Cape Working arrangement: Hybrid, with office attendance determined by operational requirements. Working hours: Part-time, 15 hours per week across 2 days. Contract: Initial 6-month fixed-term contract, with potential for renewal.