Group Assistant: Aerospace Systems at CSIR – Pretoria
About CSIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is South Africa’s leading scientific and technology research organisation. CSIR conducts groundbreaking research, develops innovative technologies, and localises solutions that contribute to industrial development and socio-economic growth. The organisation’s mission is to support a capable state while advancing science, technology, and innovation across industries.
Currently, CSIR has an exciting opportunity for a Group Assistant: Aerospace Systems within its Defence and Security cluster. This role is based at the Scientia campus in Pretoria and provides administrative and secretarial support to two managers and their collaborative teams. The successful candidate will report directly to the Research Group Leader.
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About the Job
The Group Assistant: Aerospace Systems will play a central role in providing efficient, professional, and well-organised administrative support. This role is critical in ensuring that the Aerospace Systems Impact Area runs smoothly and that the managers and teams are able to focus on delivering research and innovation excellence.
The position requires a highly organised, detail-oriented, and proactive individual with strong communication skills and a passion for supporting strategic and operational activities.
Key Responsibilities
As the Group Assistant, your duties will include but are not limited to:
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Diary and Task Management: Coordinating and scheduling weekly activities of the managers and assisting in prioritising tasks.
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Filing and Document Control: Maintaining an effective filing system (both hard copy and electronic) to ensure timely retrieval of documents.
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Correspondence and Communication: Drafting, proofreading, and editing documents on behalf of the managers, as well as screening incoming correspondence.
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Meetings and Events: Organising meetings, workshops, and strategy sessions, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items.
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Travel Coordination: Making travel arrangements for managers and the team in collaboration with in-house travel agents.
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Procurement and Orders: Raising purchase orders, procuring stationery, equipment, and coordinating building maintenance needs.
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Operations Support: Working closely with Impact Area operations and maintaining good relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
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Expense Management: Preparing reconciliations for travel expenses and processing other financial documents.
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Information Management: Supporting researchers by conducting online and library searches, and capturing publications into the TODB system.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
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A National Diploma (NQF6) in Office Administration or a related field.
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At least three years of experience as a Secretary or Personal Assistant to a manager.
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Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and information management systems such as SharePoint and OneDrive.
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Experience in utilising CSIR systems will be an added advantage.
Core Competencies and Attributes:
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Strong relationship-building skills with excellent interpersonal sensitivity.
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High levels of confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgement.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
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Customer service orientation with strong attention to detail.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Ethical, transparent, and proactive in approach.
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Effective planning and organisational skills.
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Action-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
What’s in it for You?
CSIR offers a supportive and rewarding work environment with benefits designed to promote both personal and professional growth. These include:
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Flexible hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.
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Opportunities for learning, development, and career growth.
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Competitive and market-related salary packages.
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Contributions to pension fund, medical aid, and risk insurance as part of a total guaranteed package.
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Recognition of employee achievements through the prestigious CSIR Excellence Awards.
Employment Equity Commitment
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups in accordance with employment equity requirements.
Please note: Shortlisted candidates may undergo credit, criminal, qualification, and employment history verification.
Application Details
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Job Title: Group Assistant – Aerospace Systems
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Location: Pretoria, Scientia campus (On-site)
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Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
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Cluster: Defense and Security
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Closing Date: Not specified – Apply as soon as possible.
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For more information, contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre at 012 841 4774 or email: Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za. (Please note: Applications sent directly to this email address will not be considered).
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