HSRC Press Administrator

HSRC Press Administrator

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’ in South Africa and the region, the Research Units of the Human Sciences Research Council initiate and undertake policy-oriented research projects and programmes from its offices in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Pretoria. Its public-purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The HSRC Press, the publishing division of the Human Sciences Research Council, is a small but prolific and innovative publishing house of social science and humanities scholarship and outstanding non-fiction from and about Africa and the global south. It is situated in the Research Impact Division, which comprises four interconnected units, each contributing to our overarching goal of translating research into measurable impact: Impact Evaluation; HSRC Press; Strategic Partnerships & External Capacity Development Unit; and Research Governance, Ethics & Integrity Unit. Together, these units ensure that the HSRC’s research is not only rigorous and relevant, but also transformative — helping to shape a more inclusive, informed, and just society.

The HSRC Press is seeking a skilled and suitably qualified Administrator. This will be a permanent appointment, and the successful incumbent will be based in the HSRC’s Pretoria office reporting to the Press Director.

HSRC Press Administrator

Ref. No: HSRC Press Admin 09/2026

Permanent contract

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant degree (NQF 7) in Business, Administration or related fields;
• A minimum of three years’ proven experience as a PA and administrator;
• A proven track record, and significant knowledge and understanding of practical office management and best practices;
• Advanced computer literacy and proficiency across Microsoft 365, e-mails, calendar management, and virtual meeting platforms;
• Managing files and real-time document collaboration using SharePoint and OneDrive;
• Excellent inter-personal, problem-solving and decision-making skills;
• Good communication in both verbal and writing skills;
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills;
• A commitment to excellence, attention to detail and meticulous and accurate execution of tasks.

Additional Requirements:

• Personal credibility and integrity;
• Demonstrate a flair for reading;
• The ability to function independently and under pressure;
• High level of integrity and professionalism to liaise with various stakeholders including authors, peer reviewers, editorial board members and to perform duties in a sensitive and confidential manner;
• Must be able to work in a diverse and multi-cultural environment.
• Drive, initiative, flexibility, and a proven track record to handle pressure, and a commitment to service excellence to users;
• Previous Publishing Industry Knowledge and its related policies and procedures would be a definite advantage;
• Competence and efficiency in utilising HSRC systems or similar systems (i.e., e-Workflow, Sage, RMS, etc.)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer meetings and engagements of the unit by means of relevant and appropriate preparation; and effective management, including follow-ups and efficient tracking of outcomes;
• Coordinate and distribute minutes and action lists accurately and timeously to support the Publishing unit in the implementation of functional best practices;
• Coordinate effective preparations for meetings and materials for circulation to the HSRC Press editorial board;
• Ensure effective diary management and liaison, internally and externally;
• Process, administer and file all author, peer reviewer and freelancer contracts;
• Support memo writing and approval responsibilities;
• Arrange travel requirements for the unit and the editorial board;
• Manage memberships and annual submissions of invoices for payment;
• Manage and track invoices for payment to suppliers, including peer reviewers, editorial board members, and external suppliers;
• Coordinate and communicate internal reporting deadlines to the team to ensure timeous reporting and meeting of targets and deliverables;
• Adhere to all relevant laws, policies and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the organisation, such as the PFMA, as well as internal policies including declarations of interest, contracts, appointments, MOUs, authorisations and deviations.

Closing date: 2 November 2026. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only applicants who are interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

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We wish you all the best with your applications