Manager: Grants & Contracts

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is looking for a skilled Grants & Contracts Manager to oversee all financial and administrative aspects of donor-funded grants and contracts. In this crucial management role, you will ensure full compliance with donor regulations, government policies, and university rules, from the start to the end of each project.

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

Reporting to the Director: Financial & Management Accounting, you will provide expert guidance to budget owners, project staff, and senior leadership. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of complex funder requirements (like EU, Welcome Trust, Gates Foundation, NRF, DSI, MRC, WRC), excellent financial management, and leadership skills. Your commitment to creating a compliant, efficient, and high-performing research environment will be key.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Managing and overseeing project budgets.
• Preparing financial reports for both internal and external parties.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Developing and putting into practice grants and contracts policies.
• Ensuring business processes align with established policies and procedures.
• Identifying and managing financial risks.
• Ensuring audit readiness and compliance.
• Leading and managing the Grants & Contracts department.
• Overseeing financial operations and reporting for grants and contracts.
• Facilitating and enabling financial transactions and business processes.

You will handle all financial and management accounting, ensure compliance with Grants and Contracts policies, provide system support, and contribute to staff training and development related to donor-funded grants and contracts.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following requirements:

Qualifications:

• BCom Accounting Honours degree or an equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification.
• Completed SAICA articles.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of management experience.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in MS Word (templates, tables) and MS Excel (non-negotiable, including reports, lookups, pivot tables).
• Experience with an ERP system (like Infor LAN) is a strong advantage.
• Excellent planning and scheduling skills to manage multiple tasks.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant Statutory and Legislative requirements.
• Strong analytical, financial, and operational thinking.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to plan and organise effectively.
• Adaptable and flexible in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in managing and working with diverse teams.

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please follow these steps:

1. Click on the ‘Apply for this Job’ button below, or visit the UWC Careers portal directly: https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll
2. Attach a cover letter that clearly explains why you are a good fit for this role.
3. Include a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details for three professional referees.
4. Upload copies of your highest qualification certificate.
5. Highlight any exceptional strengths or achievements that make you stand out.

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

Important Disclaimer: By applying, you agree that UWC may share your application details with relevant University stakeholders. In line with UWC’s Employment Equity targets, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates who contribute to workforce diversity. The official retirement age at UWC is 65. UWC reserves the right not to make an appointment, to appoint at a different level, or to seek additional candidates, and may conduct competency assessments.