Key responsibilities:
- Prepare written responses to incoming correspondence for the Executive’s approval and signature;
- Handle all incoming calls effectively and efficiently;
- Eloquently express the Executive’s requirements/instructions to other staff members;
- Manage internal and external events, local and overseas travel arrangements under broad direction of the Executive;
- Coordinate and manage the Executive’s diary effectively ensuring that his time is used effectively and he is briefed appropriately regarding the agenda for meetings. This includes sourcing background information from previous meetings;
- Follow up on actions emanating from meetings on behalf of the Executive;
- Structure agendas and take minutes at meetings with minimum guidance from the Executive;
- Type, format/edit documents and prepare presentations;
- Prioritise outputs according to the Executive’s needs;
- Purchase necessities for the office.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- A National Diploma or equivalent SAQA level qualification in administration with at least five years’ working experience as a Personal Assistant to a Senior Manager or Executive;
- A Bachelor’s degree will be advantageous;
- Must have the ability to prioritise;
- Must be flexible, be able to adapt and change of responsiveness in an atmosphere of constantly shifting priorities;
- Must be able to work independently with a high level of autonomy;
- Must be professional, self-motivated, organised and proactive;
- Must have the ability to handle sensitive/confidential information discreetly;
- Must have stakeholder relations;
The following skills are essential:
- Communication and writing skills;
- Conflict handling skills;
- Problem solving skills;
- Self-management skills (positive attitude and behaviour, reliability, accountability and self-sufficiency);
- Advanced computer skills (MS Office, Internet, IT literacy;
- Typing speed of at least 60 words per minute.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act of 1998. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.