James Sephiwe

Highly accomplished Administrative and Programme Management professional with over 8 years of experience within higher education institutions. Proven expertise in executive support, academic administration, programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, financial administration, and office management. Demonstrated success in supporting senior leadership, managing complex administrative operations, coordinating academic processes, and delivering high-quality administrative services in fast-paced environments.

Proficient in university administration systems, financial management platforms, and student information systems.

Senior Administrative Officer at University of Pretoria (2024-04 – Present)

• Provide high-level executive support to the Manager, including full diary and schedule management
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, prepare agendas, and record accurate minutes
• Handle all incoming communication (telephone, email, written correspondence) on behalf of the Manager
• Draft professional reports and official documentation for internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain the annual office planner and operational schedules
• Coordinate travel management and claims for the manager
• Conduct statistical analysis in collaboration with the student administration team
• Manage daily office operations in the absence of the Manager, ensuring continuity of services
• Assist enrolled and prospective students with academic and administrative enquiries

Department Secretary at University of Johannesburg (2023-01 – 2024-02)

Reason for Leaving: Career Growth

• Recorded and distributed accurate meeting minutes and documentation
• Managed departmental storeroom, assets, and key control systems
• Assisted with budget preparation and uploaded financial data onto internal systems
• Processed procurement transactions via iProc and invoices through the Oracle system
• Managed staff claims and reimbursements using i-Expense
• Coordinated staff travel arrangements (local and international)
• Processed HR-related administration, including appointments and payroll inputs via EBS
• Scheduled venues and managed timetabling using Celcat

Programme Administrative Manager at University of Johannesburg (2022-01 – 2022-12)

Reason for Leaving: Career Growth

• Coordinated departmental events and academic activities
• Monitored staff and temporary employee attendance & compliance
• Supported online programme delivery, including Blackboard access and performance monitoring
• Managed all programme-related administration for undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Responded to high volumes of student enquiries via email and telephone
• Captured and managed academic records and assessment marks using MAMS
• Coordinated moderation processes with internal and external moderators
• Submitted research outputs via OROSS system
• Processed student applications through ImageNow
• Generated and issued academic records and transcripts using ITS

Administrative Assistant at University of Johannesburg (2018-08 – 2021-12)

Reason for Leaving: Career Growth

• Provided daily administrative support including handling calls, emails, and student enquiries
• Processed postgraduate applications using Perceptive Content (ImageNow)
• Generated academic records and reports using ITS
• Administered external bursaries and student funding processes
• Uploaded academic content and managed course materials on Blackboard
• Assisted with timetable coordination and scheduling of tests and assessments
• Published final semester results and maintained academic data accuracy
• Coordinated moderation processes and maintained programme documentation
• Supported both students and academic staff with administrative requirements

Student Assistant at University of Johannesburg (2018-03 – 2018-06)

Reason for Leaving: Career Growth

• Assisted with faculty administration, including document preparation and record management
• Supported the administration of postgraduate bursaries
• Handled reception duties, including answering calls and assisting walk-in students
• Printed academic records, proof of registration, & official documents
• Processed postgraduate applications & maintained accurate records

BA Honours in Public Management and Governance – University of Johannesburg (2018)

BA in Public Management and Governance – University of Johannesburg (2017)

National Senior Certificate in Matric – Jabulile Secondary School (2014)