Overview

Programme Manager Jobs in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa at Stellenbosch University

Title: Programme Manager

Company: Stellenbosch University

Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

SU International

Centre for Collaboration in Africa

Programme Manager: Africa Multilateral Networks (Post Level 8)

(Stellenbosch Campus)

Ref. SUI/101/0426

The Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at SU International creates an enabling environment for Stellenbosch University (SU) to partner with institutions on the African Continent.

Stellenbosch University undertakes this work in partnership with various local, Africa-continental and global partners.

In this context, Stellenbosch University concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA), to establish an Operations

office for the SARUA Secretariat and to support its engagement with more than 60 member universities across Southern Africa.

In addition, Stellenbosch University is a long-standing member of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). The University hosts the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Energy and

Co-leads The ARUA Cluster Of Centres Of Excellence In

  • Genomics for Health in Africa;
  • Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Theoretical and Computational Thinking;
  • Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation;
  • Renewable Energy.

The Programme Manager: Africa Multilateral Networks is primarily responsible for managing the SARUA Operations Office within the CCA, and reports to the SARUA Executive Secretary in

collaboration with the Director: CCA.

In this role, additional initiatives are supported to complement the SARUA Operations Office, including the ARUA Centres of Excellence and ARUA CoRE, AJ-INSPIRE and EUGLOH.

Duties/Pligte

Regarding SARUA

  • Managing, administering and furthering the vision, mission and objectives of the SARUA Operations Office.
  • Providing effective secretariat services and associated support services to the SARUA Board (e.g. elections, register).
  • Organising the Association's Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • Ensuring SARUA's compliance with NPO reporting requirements to the South African Department of Social Development.
  • Developing, reviewing, and managing contracts and agreements with SARUA member institutions, partners, service providers, and funders, including maintaining an effective

stakeholder relations management system and an up-to-date SARUA project register.

  • Fostering strong relationships with member institutions and key stakeholders to enhance.
  • Contract management:
    • Overseeing contract execution, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and performance expectations are met, including regular reporting to the Executive Director and Board.
  • Finances:
    • Developing SARUA's annual budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and relevant stakeholders, including providing regular financial reports to the Executive

Director and the Board.

  • Ensuring adherence to SARUA's financial policies and procedures, including expenditure approvals and procurement processes.
  • Arranging and coordinating SARUA's annual external audit.
  • Collaborating with the Communications Manager to ensure that communication strategies align with SARUA's operational objectives and organisational goals.
  • Collaborating with project managers/coordinators to ensure the successful planning, execution, and completion of SARUA's initiatives, aligned with strategic objectives.
  • Regarding ARUA:
    • Coordinating internationalisation support to SU's engagement with ARUA and related activities in close collaboration with the Office of the DVC: Research, Innovation and
  • Internationalisation.
  • Regarding AJ-INSPIRE (Africa Japan Universities Network):
    • Coordinating SU's participation in the three research streams of this network in collaboration with the JICA expert.
  • Regarding EUGLOH (European Universities Alliance on Global Health):
    • Coordinating SU's participation in the Alliance in collaboration with TIO (FMHS).
    • Managing SU's role regarding the EUGLOH Hub for Sub-Sahara Africa in close liaison with the EUGLOH Secretariat based at Paris-Saclay University.
  • Fostering and promoting entrepreneurial values and skills as an integral part of all programmes provided.
  • Assisting with preparing quarterly and annual action plans and progress reports, financial reports and budgets.
  • Assisting in developing and maintaining effective reporting systems, strong partner relationships and clear communication with stakeholders.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

  • NQF 8 (honours degree / postgraduate diploma).
  • At least three to five years' proven experience in operations or administrative management in the higher education sector.
  • Strong financial acumen with a proven track record in budget development and financial analysis.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in social media platforms and experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
  • Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Familiarity with the higher education sector in at least one SADC country and a commitment to driving positive change in the region's academic landscape.
  • The ability to manage resources efficiently in a project-driven environment.
  • The ability to manage the impact of actions and decisions beyond the immediate unit.
  • Experience in project management.
  • The ability to work across organisational boundaries and contribute effectively to network-based structures.
  • The ability to work effectively under pressure.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

  • Experience in working with senior university leadership and partners from other African countries.
  • An existing network of appropriate contacts within government and industry.

How To Apply/Hoe Om Aansoek Te Doen

#PSS

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three references), must reach the University before or on the closing date in the advertisement.

Apply online at https://www.su.ac.za/en/careers-su by clicking "Apply now" at the top to the right of the page for the specific vacancy.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

If you have received no feedback from the University after four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries/Navrae

Enquiries about this post: Dr Nico Elema on 021 808 9381, or at [email protected]

Enquiries about remuneration/benefits and technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch), or

021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at [email protected]

CurrencyZAR Commencement Date01-Jun-2026 Closing Date22-May-2026 Amount of Travel Work At Home

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