Job Description

Main purpose of job:The Operations Assistant role is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery and success of an innovative and high-profile UK Government programme that is developing the South African tech ecosystem.We are looking for an organized and enthusiastic individual to provide a broad range of administrative, project management and communications support across the DAP UK-South Africa Tech Hub team. The role will be based in Pretoria, South Africa. The DAP UK-South Africa Tech Hub is part of the wider Digital Access Programme, which focuses on inclusive digital transformation, and of a global network of international tech partnerships developed by the UK government to build digital ecosystems that will facilitate sustainable economic growth and development. The successful candidate will be part of a small team of locally engaged staff, based across the British High Commission in Pretoria and the British Consulate-General in Cape Town. The successful candidate will support the Director and Deputy Director of the UK-South Africa Tech Hub with administration and project management.The responsibilities of the Operations Assistant will include responsibility for event management, financial management, liaison with programme partners and stakeholders, and delivering a strong communications strategy. In addition, providing an excellent level of administrative support to the Tech Hub team, particularly during surge points e.g. key events, campaigns spikes in programming activity pressures.This is a great opportunity for a highly motivated individual who has the ability to successfully manage a diverse set of tasks. Reporting to the Deputy Director, the candidate will be required to work both independently and as part of a team and deliver high quality work. This includes, developing effective relationships with key stakeholders and monitoring project activity, outputs, and outcomes. You will need to be adaptable and open to taking on new challenges. There will be opportunities for learning and development in addition to the FCDO's internal online training platform. As with any role, there will be occasions when the work is reactive to instructions and tasking. All staff are expected to be flexible team players willing to turn their hand to any task.The DAP UK-South Africa Tech Hub has 4 key strategic focus areas:

• Supporting policy and other systemic reforms and improvements that create a more enabling environment for start-ups and financial institutions.
• Addressing the market gaps that exist in resourcing, digital skills development and in facilitation of access to finance.
• Connecting and convening the stakeholders operating in the local tech ecosystem to foster collaboration and ecosystem growth.
• Supporting the digital inclusion of underserved communities through tech enablement training and support to local tech entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Providing administrative, coordination, and project management of hub programmes.
• Support the Hub's work by planning and executing events: assume a key role in planning projects and events such as business delegations, conferences and receptions. Work with external suppliers to negotiate venue hire, hotel bookings, tech support, produce materials etc.
• Support implementation of internal policies by maintaining standards, systems and procedures for the Hub.
• Manage and maintain databases and trackers to keep active record of programme documents, event attendance and supporting material.
• Lead work on all logistical and administrative components for the Hub's activities including those associated with proposal submissions and partner onboarding.
• Preparing briefing materials and travel arrangements, and engagement opportunities for the Hub team to promote its work effectively.
• Manage and improve implementation of comms campaigns and UK-South Africa Tech Hub comms channels.
• Process payments and track spend in budgets.
• Maintaining a calendar of related events and deadlines.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):The post holder will be based in Pretoria, with occasional travel to Cape Town, and will be part of a small team of locally engaged staff, based within the British High Commission. The post holder will report into the UK-South Africa Tech Hub Deputy Director.Essential qualifications, skills and experienceThe ideal candidate will have experience in administration and project management.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• IT literate, and able to learn how to use new IT systems quickly.
• Strong administrative and/or project management experience.
• Well organised with good attention to detail.
• Able to work flexibly and pick up corporate processes quickly.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Events planning experience.
• Confident at decision making, within agreed boundaries.
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Previously worked in the South African/UK tech entrepreneur ecosystem

Required behavioursChanging and Improving, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture, Working TogetherApplication deadline1 October 2024GradeAdministrative Officer (AO)Type of PositionFixed term, with possibility of renewalWorking hours per week36.5 hoursRegionAfricaCountry/TerritorySouth AfricaLocation (City)PretoriaType of PostBritish High CommissionNumber of vacancies1SalaryR 296 469,38 (per annum)Type of SalaryyearlyStart Date1 November 2024End Date31 March 2026Other benefits and conditions of employmentLearning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):We place a strong emphasis on learning and development. You will be encouraged to undertake developmental training and get involved in corporate activities. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build up programme knowledge and expertise and gain exposure to working across government. You will have access to existing and new Project & Programme Management L&D as well as wider job-relevant L&D and support for your own personal development.Working patterns:Flexibility of two days, three in office days required.This is a (17 month) fixed term contract with possibility of renewal.Additional information

• Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Pretoria are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
• It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in South Africa without the need to apply for a work permit.
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link:

. Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5 * Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.

• Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a 'reserve list'. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

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