Educational Assistance Programme Coordinator

Business Unit: Discovery Central Services
Function: Bursaries
Date Published: 15 October 2025
Location: Not specified (assumed within Discovery HQ or Central Services unit)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equity Consideration: Employment Equity Plan and Targets will apply

About Discovery

Discovery is a global company committed to improving health and enhancing lives. The company fosters a high-performance culture driven by innovation, social impact, and employee growth. This role fits within Discovery's broader mission of enabling talent development through education.

Purpose of the Role

The role involves full administration and coordination of Discovery’s educational assistance offerings — including bursaries, educational loans, and special awards. The Coordinator ensures efficient processing, policy compliance, accurate payroll integration, and smooth stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Bursaries

Administer bursary cycle (applications, tracking, document uploads, system access)
Weekly progress reporting and application validation
Submit payment schedules for approval and payroll processing
Track and manage exam result submissions
Resolve queries within agreed SLAs

Educational Loans

Validate applications, manage payments, and upload supporting documents
Track loan repayments and maintain accurate financial records

AGFA (Adrian Gore Fellowship Award)

Administer applications and payment processing for selected candidates
Liaise with AGFA team and manage all related documentation

Buy-In / Buy-Out / Clawbacks

Invoice processing for transitions between employers
Process clawbacks for early exits or academic failures
Ensure payroll records are updated accurately

Group & Business Unit Bursaries

Support internal bursary programs by handling applications, tracking, and payments

Ad Hoc Bursary Payments

Create profiles and facilitate non-standard bursary payments
Maintain compliance and update payroll records

Process & Reporting Improvement

Develop systems to track programme performance
Review and improve systems, tools, and processes continuously

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

HR teams
Payroll, Finance, Procurement
Skills Development, Talent & Performance
AGFA Team, Cost Centre Managers, Internal Auditors

External:

Universities, colleges, training providers
Book vendors
External auditors

Minimum Qualifications

Matric plus Diploma or higher in HR, Finance, or Business Administration
Preferred: 3-year degree or postgraduate qualification

Experience Required

2–3 years of experience in HR administration or employee benefits
Experience working with HR systems and payroll platforms
Advanced Excel skills (especially with reconciliations)
Understanding of financial documentation and audit principles
Knowledge of the Higher Education sector

Technical & Soft Skills

Required:

Strong administration and attention to detail
Data analysis and data quality governance
Service-oriented with strong communication
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
High confidentiality and professionalism
Fast learner with HR platforms

Preferred:

Consulting skills
Familiarity with bursary and education systems

Employment Equity

Discovery is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages individuals with disabilities to apply. Employment Equity Plans and Targets will be applied as part of the recruitment process.

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Educational Assistance Programme Coordinator