Company: Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI)
Division: Corporate Services Unit
Industry: Public Sector, Economic Development, Scientific Research & Innovation
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent / Contract
Job Status: Re-advertisement
Posted Date: 25 September 2026
Closing Date: Sunday, 04 October 2026
About the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI)
The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) is an entity mandated to stimulate a sustainable provincial economy through research, development, and innovation. The Institute strategically leads innovation and maritime coordination and implementation activities to respond to the economic needs of KwaZulu-Natal.
To fulfill its provincial mandate, MKRI is looking to appoint 1 (one) Office Administrator within the Corporate Services Unit. The successful candidate will ensure that all operational administration, office support, stakeholder logistics, and reporting functions within the unit are executed efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Deliverables
The Administrator will support the Corporate Services Unit across four primary operational areas:
1. Office & Administrative Management
- Administrative Support: Coordinate day-to-day administrative operations, incoming and outgoing correspondence, and document management within the Corporate Services Unit.
- Records Management: Maintain accurate digital and physical filing systems, ensuring compliance with public sector record-keeping standards.
2. Reporting & Documentation
- Report Compilation: Assist in drafting routine administrative reports, meeting minutes, technical summaries, and quarterly reporting schedules for unit heads.
- Documentation Review: Ensure high accuracy and quality control in all unit documentation and submissions.
3. Unit Coordination & Event Logistics
- Meeting Logistics: Organize and coordinate internal and external stakeholder meetings, workshops, and provincial innovation forums.
- Travel & Schedule Planning: Manage travel arrangements, diaries, venue bookings, and logistical support for Corporate Services personnel.
4. Stakeholder & Operational Support
- Client Liaison: Act as a reliable point of contact for internal divisions and external public/private sector stakeholders.
- Process Compliance: Ensure all administrative workflows adhere to institutional policies, public finance management rules, and internal governance standards.
Candidate Profile & Minimum Entry Requirements
To qualify for consideration for this administrative role at MKRI, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualifications:
- Matric / Grade 12 Certificate (Essential).
- National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Office Administration, Public Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline (Highly Advantageous).
- Experience Requirements:
- Demonstrated administrative or secretarial experience within a public sector entity, research institution, or corporate environment.
- Proven experience in report writing, minute-taking, and records management.
- Technical & Core Competencies:
- High proficiency in MS Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong organizational, time-management, and multi-tasking skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- High attention to detail, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
What MKRI Offers
- Public Sector Contribution: Contribute directly to KwaZulu-Natal’s economic transformation, provincial innovation, and maritime development initiatives.
- Professional Development: Gain exposure to enterprise administration, research unit governance, and public sector operations.
Career Advice for MKRI Applicants
- Highlight Public/Research Support Experience: Emphasize any background in office administration, minute-taking, public management, or reporting on page 1 of your CV.
- Note Re-advertisement: If you previously applied, ensure your CV and documentation are fully updated before re-submitting.
- Verify Attachments: Ensure certified copies of your ID, Matric, tertiary qualifications, and CV are attached to avoid automatic disqualification.
Sample Public Sector Administrator Interview Questions
Office Administration & Governance
- Question (Prioritization): “How do you handle multiple urgent administrative requests from different managers within the Corporate Services Unit simultaneously?”
- Question (Records Management): “What steps do you take to ensure strict confidentiality and orderly document management in a public institution?”
How to Apply
Submit your application directly through the official Moses Kotane Research Institute career portal or submission channels:
- Company: Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI)
- Unit: Corporate Services Unit
- Position: Administrator (Re-advert)
- Closing Date: 04 October 2026