Administration Officer: Contracts and Budgets South African Medical Research Council 2026/05/27 Cape Town Job Reference Number: R939A Department: Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit Industry: Office Support Job Type: Permanent Positions Available: 1 Market Related The Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit (MAST RU) is looking for an Administration Officer: Contracts and Budgets to manage all administrative aspects of contractual grants, legal, financial tasks and research compliance activities within the unit. Key Responsibility Areas Managing the processing of local and international project contracts submitted to the Project Officer in the Contracts & Budgets Office and thereafter to the Legal Office for review and approval, then to the CEO for signing. Ensuring that project budgets adhere to the requirements of Contracts & Budgets and that spending is compliant with PMFA requirements. Monitoring expenditure on a monthly basis on all baseline and contract projects to ensure that spending does not exceed available funding and ensuring that funders are invoiced in a timely fashion. Preparing spreadsheets for Finances to ensure that contract staff salaries are drawn down from their respective projects on a monthly basis according to the time spent on each project. Reporting any deviations to the unit director in terms of problems related to the signing of contracts, overspending on projects, non-payment by funders, failure of projects directors to submit documentation regarding ethical compliance or other research integrity matters in a timely fashion. Provide administrative support to the Unit Director and take a lead role in preparing sections of the unit’s annual report, budget application, financial reports, quarterly Research Outputs, and the 5-yearly external unit review application. Assist all staff in all MAST RU offices with the procurement system when ordering or purchasing supplies/equipment/consultancy services/sole suppliers and the tendering process for different projects. Remuneration A salary in the region of R 624,773 cost‑to‑company will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience. Job Requirements 3 years tertiary qualification, including a National Diploma or Degree, preferably in Business Administration, Project Management, Finance or a related field. 3 – 5 years of experience of Administrative and Financial Work in a science / research environment (e.g., Grants Management and Administrative, Financial Support to a research unit). Knowledge of research governance and compliance requirements. Added Advantage Post-graduate certification or qualification in Project Management, Finance, or Business Administration. 5+ Years’ experience in Administration and/or Finance, preferably in a Science Environment (Grants Management and Administrative, Financial Support to a Research Unit). Closing Date 4 June 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr