Coordinator: Finance and Budget Administration (Centre of Excellence in Food Security)- Contract position

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS), hosted by the University of the Western Cape and co-hosted by the University of Pretoria, is a nationally funded research initiative supported by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The Centre focuses on advancing research in food security, nutrition, and sustainable food systems, while also contributing to policy development, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination. Its work spans academic research, stakeholder engagement, and postgraduate training, strengthening expertise in food security within South Africa and beyond.

Complementing this national effort is UKUDLA, an African-German collaborative research programme funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). UKUDLA promotes interdisciplinary research in food systems resilience and agricultural data science, involving institutions such as the University of Hohenheim, the University of the Western Cape, and the University of Pretoria, alongside other African partners. The programme supports PhD, postdoctoral, and research fellowships, and fosters international collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Together, CoE-FS and UKUDLA contribute to advancing sustainable food systems through integrated research, policy engagement, and capacity development across multiple institutions and funding streams.

Reporting to the Project Manager: DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, the successful applicant will be responsible for the:

• Oversight of financial administration and reporting, including tracking expenditure against approved budgets and preparing consolidated financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordination of budget planning, forecasting, and monitoring, ensuring alignment with project deliverables and funding requirements.
• Monitor cash flow, expenditure trends, and budget utilisation, and flag risks or variances to management.
• Coordinate and support procurement processes in compliance with institutional policies and donor requirements.
• Support the financial administration of contracts, MoAs, and service agreements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, documentation, and audit trails.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audit processes, including responding to audit queries.
• Support the financial management of project activities, including events, travel, and programme implementation.
• Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure efficient financial processing and adherence to procedures.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience)

• A Bachelor’s Degree (NQF Level 7) in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in project financial administration, budgeting, and reporting.
• Proven experience in research, higher education, or multi-donor funding environments.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale, multi-institutional grants (e.g., NRF, DAAD, EU or similar).
• Extensive experience in financial management, including reporting, budgeting, compliance, procurement, audit support, and the effective oversight of complex, multi-funded portfolios, supported by strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

The Following Would Be An Added Advantage

• Working experience in the Higher Education sector
• Registered for a NQF Level 8 degree in a relevant field.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge, And Behavioural Attributes)

• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial controls, donor regulations (e.g., NRF, DAAD), and institutional policies to ensure audit readiness and accountability.
• Ability to coordinate complex project finances, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting across multi-institutional funding streams.
• Capacity to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including funders, auditors, and project teams, while clearly communicating financial information.
• Analytical with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure, and a high level of ethical conduct in financial management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and financial/reporting systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a high-pressure environment. Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and accountability in financial management.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.