Coordinator: Database Administration at UWC

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is seeking a dedicated Database Administration Coordinator to join its Information and Communication Services (ICS) Department. This role is essential for supporting UWC’s strategic goals and Digital Transformation Strategy by ensuring the efficient management and administration of the University’s critical databases.

About the Role

As the Database Administration Coordinator, your primary purpose will be to manage UWC’s databases by applying sound database best practices, performing essential maintenance, and handling administration tasks. You will serve as a crucial link between senior DBAs, business stakeholders, and various database activities, ensuring smooth operations and data integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for senior MSSQL and Oracle DBAs, facilitating smooth delivery of DBA services at UWC.
• Act as the liaison between business stakeholders and DBAs for all database-related queries and requests.
• Coordinate daily, weekly, and project-related database activities, including patching, upgrades, and incident response.
• Track contractor deliverables, ensuring adherence to timelines, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and quality standards.
• Maintain a central register of active database tasks and projects.
• Perform first-level monitoring of MSSQL and Oracle databases using approved tools.
• Run basic SQL queries to validate health checks, backup status, and performance metrics.
• Log and escalate incidents appropriately to vendors and management.
• Approve and manage database user account management and permissions requests.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation on database infrastructure, including inventory, licensing, and lifecycle schedules.
• Prepare regular reports on system performance, uptime, vendor activities, and audit compliance.
• Ensure all knowledge transfer from DBAs is properly documented.
• Facilitate change control processes for database activities.
• Communicate planned maintenance and downtime notifications to end-users and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of integration with other databases such as MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MariaDB.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

• A Senior Certificate with technical certifications in MS SQL or Oracle Database Management, along with more than 5 years of proven experience as a DBA or in a similar role within a large organization or educational institution.
• OR
• A relevant NQF Level 7 qualification with technical certifications in MS SQL or Oracle Database Management, along with more than 3 years of proven experience as a DBA or in a similar role within a large organization or educational institution.

Work Experience & Knowledge:

• Familiarity and understanding of basic development and scripting computer languages, including MS SQL, Oracle DB, the Windows Operating System, and Database Design Concepts. (Programming experience is desirable but not essential).
• Understanding of POPIA, cybersecurity threats, and database security baselines.
• Familiarity with diagnostic and data manipulation tools.

Required Competencies:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of vendors.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively as part of diverse and cross-functional teams.
• Good organizational and planning skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to build and maintain robust relationships with colleagues and customers.
• Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised, meet tight deadlines, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Good business awareness and a strong understanding of the business requirements of IT.

How to Apply

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please click on the “Apply for this Job” link below or apply directly via UWC Careers. 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. Please ensure you 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.

For any queries, please contact the UWC Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: [email protected].

Disclaimer: By applying for this position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including your 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.