Research Programme Coordinator (Contract)

About the role

O'Brien Recruitment is recruiting a Research Programme Coordinator on a fixed-term contract based in Cape Town. The role is part-time, 15 hours per week across two days, with a hybrid working arrangement and office attendance depending on operational needs. It is an initial 6-month contract with potential for renewal.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor research projects, tracking milestones, deliverables, deadlines and overall progress.
• Maintain project schedules, prepare progress reports, dashboards and management updates.
• Provide secretariat and administrative support to research committees, including agendas, minutes, documentation and follow-up actions.
• Coordinate meetings and engagements with researchers, volunteers, external partners and other stakeholders.
• Manage research-related administrative processes such as contracts, procurement, invoices and prize adjudications.
• Maintain research records, documentation, templates and central information repositories.
• Assist with research monitoring, reporting and the preparation of information for internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with Communications and Marketing teams on research updates, website content and project announcements.
• Support research topic databases, including basic desktop research and coordination of topic submissions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.

Required profile

• A relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent tertiary qualification is preferred.
• About 5 years' experience in project coordination, programme administration, research support or a similar environment is advantageous.
• Previous exposure to project management, reporting, committee administration or governance is beneficial.
• Relevant practical experience may be considered in the absence of formal qualifications.

Required skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
• Excellent organisational, administrative and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Strong digital literacy and ability to adapt quickly to new systems.
• Basic understanding of procurement, invoicing and administrative controls.