Applicants who have previously applied need not reapply.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The REC administrator manages the day-to-day administrative ethics reporting and record management operations of the faculty’s RECs, NWU-FNAS-REC and NWU-ANIMPROD-REC. The role supports the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science staff and students’ ethics process across campuses. The role enables effective internal management, audit readiness, institutional reporting, website communication and training to staff and students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ethics Administration and Coordination

Efficient administration of Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Research Ethics Committee (FNASREC) and Animal Production Research Ethics Committee (ANIMPRODREC)

• Manage day-to-day administrative operations for the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences research ethics committee.
• Receive, screen and process ethics applications and support documents.
• Maintain accurate tracking system for ethics submissions, approvals, renewals and amendments.
• Schedule committee meetings and prepare agendas, minutes and documentation.
• Receive and process faculty ethics and RDGC applications from other faculties and universities.

Records and Information Management

Accurate and secure ethics record management

• Maintain confidential electronic records.
• Ensure proper filing and archiving of documentation
• Monitor record completeness and data accuracy for audits and reporting.
• Update databases and reporting systems regularly.

Institutional Reporting and Compliance

Timely and accurate reporting

• Compile monthly, quarterly and annual ethics reports.
• Prepare statistics and management information for institutional reporting.
• Support audit preparation and ensure audit readiness.
• Monitor compliance with reporting deadlines and regulatory requirements.

Effective Student and Staff Support

• Administrative support and guidance to staff and students regarding procedures in the committee.
• Address ethics-related enquiries professionally and timeously
• Assist researchers with submission requirements and documentation standards.

Website and Communication Management

Accessible and accurate ethics communication

• Update NWU website content, forms, templates and communication material.
• Send out ethics notices, meeting outcomes and procedural updates.
• Ensure information communicated is accurate and current.

Training and Capacity Development

Ethics awareness and training support

• Coordinate and administer training sessions and workshops for staff and students.
• Managing attendance records and training documentation
• Assist in developing user guides and training material.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

Improvement of administrative processes

• Identify administrative inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to the development and review of SOPs and administrative processes.

Multi-campus Coordination

Consistent service delivery across campuses

• Coordinate ethics administrative support across campuses.
• Consistency in processes, communication and recordkeeping across campuses

• An advanced Certificate (NQF Level 5)
• Relevant university administration, record management training.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in managing the ADEP system.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience assisting with the coordination of ethics training sessions.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in providing administrative support to FNASREC, including coordinating compliance with institutional ethics requirements.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in providing administrative support to ANIMPRODREC, including coordinating compliance with institutional ethics requirements.

 KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong computer skills, including MS Office, Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel
• Spreadsheet skills.
• Knowledge of university administrative travel and student support systems.
• Understanding research administration.
• Prepare clear administrative management and reporting.
• Maintain website content using NWU-approved platforms.
• Strong documentation, filing and record management skills.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• High level of attention to detail when processing ethics applications and maintaining records.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive research.
• Organise and prioritise administrative tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with researchers and students.
• Takes accountability for assigned responsibilities and consistently delivers.
• Strong Organisational discipline and maintain complex administrative systems.
• Ability to work under pressure.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:  Prof. Stuart Piketh 018 299 1582

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:  Ms. Dolly Lebepe on 018 299 4936

CLOSING DATE:   07 August 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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