With more than 34400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:

1. Accounting and Informatics
2. Applied Science
3. Arts & Design
4. Engineering and the Built Environment
5. Health Sciences
6. Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Real Estate Management - Real Estate Planning

POST: Specialist Infrastructure Contracts Administration

Reference Number: 20001528

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in: Procurement / Supply Chain Management, Finance / Commerce (with procurement exposure) 5 years’ experience in procurement value chain and infrastructure contract management environment.
• 5 - 7 years’ relevant experience in: Infrastructure procurement and contract administration, Capital projects, facilities, or real estate environments, Public-sector or regulated procurement frameworks.

Key responsibilities:

• Provides specialist end-to-end administration of infrastructure, service, and lease contracts from award through execution, variation, renewal, and close-out, ensuring compliance with approved terms and conditions.
• Maintains and governs the authoritative contracts and leases register, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with approved appointments, variations, and governance decisions.
• Reviews and validates contractual and lease documentation prior to approval, identifying risks, omissions, and deviations, and advising management on corrective actions.
• Provides specialist input and advisory support on lease administration matters, including rental escalations, renewals, compliance with lease terms, and financial commitments.
• Escalates identified contractual, financial, and compliance risks to project owners and management, recommending mitigation measures to protect institutional interests and support effective infrastructure delivery.
• Coordinate and monitor the Real Estate Management Annual Procurement Plan.
• Provide specialist input into tender documentation, specifications, and governance submissions.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of the contracts register.
• Organize and archive all contracts, invoices, and related documentation.
• Assist with compiling submission packs for approvals and governance processes.
• Review procurement plan in relation to budget, appointments and contractual commitments.
• Escalate risks or non-compliance to the relevant project owners and line manager.
• Provide administrative support during acquisitions, appointments and project lifespan as required.
• Provides specialist advisory support to project managers, property managers, and senior management on infrastructure contract administration, procurement compliance, and lease management matters.
• Acts as the primary coordination and advisory interface between Real Estate Planning, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Legal Services, and external service providers on contract-related issues.
• Interprets and communicates contractual terms, obligations, and risks to internal stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making and effective contract execution.
  
• Supports governance and management structures by preparing specialist inputs, reports, and responses related to infrastructure contracts and procurement matters.
• Facilitates structured stakeholder engagements, meetings, and follow-ups to monitor commitments, track actions, and ensure timely resolution of contract-related matters.
  
• Maintains and governs authoritative infrastructure contracts, leases, and procurement data across SAP and approved institutional systems, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness.
• Provides specialist oversight of data integrity, validating source documentation, system records, and reports to ensure alignment with approved contracts, budgets, and governance decisions.
• Provides specialist support during internal and external audits, including preparation of audit packs, responses to audit queries, and implementation of agreed corrective actions.
• Tracks compliance obligations, contract conditions, and reporting requirements, escalating risks and deviations to management with appropriate recommendations.
• Maintains awareness of legislative, regulatory, and policy changes impacting infrastructure procurement and contract administration, advising stakeholders on implications and required actions. 

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Ms. Z.J. Ngcobo

Status of Position: Permanent

Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)
• A detailed curriculum vita (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Covering Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contact information of referees

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint.

While the DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.

The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will only be made with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive communication from the University, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal record screening, and lifestyle audits for financially related positions. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. The University may also require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the requirements of the position.