Administrative & Support Staff | Careers at NHLS

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is a key institution in South Africa’s healthcare system, providing critical laboratory services and research support across the country. Administrative and support staff at NHLS play an essential role in ensuring that operations run smoothly, enabling laboratory professionals to deliver quality healthcare services.

This job post provides an overview of career opportunities, salary expectations, job requirements, and the application process for administrative and support staff roles at NHLS.

Job Description & Details  

Working at NHLS as an administrative or support staff member means contributing to the smooth running of laboratories that are vital for disease diagnosis, public health research, and medical services.

These roles provide stability, opportunities for skill development, and the chance to contribute to South Africa’s public health mission.

• Medical Scientists and Pathologists | Jobs at NHLS

Benefits of working at NHLS:

• Job Security: NHLS is a government-funded organization, offering long-term employment opportunities.
• Professional Growth: Administrative and support staff have access to training and career advancement programs.
• Operational Impact: By supporting the logistics, IT, HR, finance, and administrative functions of the organization, you help ensure that medical services are delivered efficiently.

Types of Roles for Administrative and Support Staff at NHLS

1. Administrative Roles

Administrative roles at NHLS involve managing office functions, coordinating communication, and providing support to various departments.

• Examples of roles:
  • Office Administrators: Manage office tasks, scheduling, correspondence, and reporting.
  • Human Resources Officers: Handle recruitment, employee management, and payroll.
  • Finance Clerks: Manage financial records, process invoices, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

2. Support Roles

Support roles focus on technical and logistical functions that ensure NHLS laboratories and operations run efficiently.

• Examples of roles:
  • IT Support Technicians: Maintain computer systems, provide user support, and troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Logistics Coordinators: Oversee the transport and storage of laboratory supplies and equipment.
  • Procurement Officers: Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory control.

Salaries for Administrative and Support Staff at NHLS

1. Administrative Roles

• Entry-level positions: ZAR 150,000 – ZAR 250,000 per year.
• Experienced staff: ZAR 250,000 – ZAR 400,000 annually, depending on the role and responsibilities.

2. Support Roles

• IT and logistics roles: ZAR 200,000 – ZAR 350,000 per year.
• Procurement and facilities management: ZAR 250,000 – ZAR 450,000 annually.

In addition to competitive salaries, NHLS offers benefits such as medical aid, pension contributions, and opportunities for professional development.

Requirements for Administrative Jobs at NHLS

Educational Qualifications

• A Diploma or Degree in Business Administration, Office Management, HR, or related fields is typically required for administrative roles.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in office management, human resources, finance, or similar fields.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking abilities.

Requirements for Support Jobs at NHLS

Educational Qualifications

• Qualifications related to the specific support field (e.g., IT, logistics, procurement).
• For IT roles, certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or other relevant IT qualifications may be required.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in providing technical support, managing logistics, or handling procurement is preferred.
• Competence in using specialized software, such as SAP for procurement or ticketing systems for IT support.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Application Process for Administrative and Support Staff at NHLS

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find Job Openings: Job openings are regularly posted on the NHLS Careers section of their website and on job portals such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and CareerJunction.
2. Prepare Your Application: Include an updated CV, a cover letter highlighting your qualifications, and copies of relevant certifications and qualifications.
3. Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted online through the NHLS website or via email, depending on the job posting. Ensure all required documents are submitted by the specified deadline.
4. Wait for a Response: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. In some cases, technical assessments or skills tests may be part of the selection process for support roles.

Interview Process and Selection Criteria

Common Interview Questions

• For Administrative Roles: You may be asked about your experience in office administration, handling communication tasks, and managing workflows.
• For Support Roles: Expect questions about your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience in your specific support field (e.g., IT, logistics).

Skills Tests and Technical Assessments

• For technical support roles, NHLS may require assessments to test your problem-solving abilities, familiarity with IT systems, or logistics management skills.

Employee Benefits and Perks at NHLS

NHLS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Aid: Health coverage for employees and their families.
• Pension Plans: Contributions to retirement savings.
• Paid Leave: Generous vacation, sick leave, and family leave policies.
• Professional Development: Access to training programs, workshops, and opportunities to attend conferences.

Final Thoughts & Mode of Application   

A career as an administrative or support staff member at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) offers job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional development. These roles are crucial in supporting the laboratory and research operations that underpin South Africa’s public health system. With comprehensive benefits and opportunities for growth, NHLS is an excellent workplace for individuals passionate about contributing to healthcare through operational excellence.