Program Assistant Job in Nairobi Kenya


Adeso Vacancy announcement

Position Title:
Program Assistant
 
Position Location:Nairobi with field travel
 
Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
 
Reporting to:Regional Cash & Vouchers Coordinator
 
Working with: Programs team
 

Starting date: Immediate
 
Application deadline: 19th July 2012. Adeso will conduct interviews on an on-going basis.
 
Vacancy contact
 
Please send applications to jobs@adesoafrica.org – Adeso will only respond to short-listed applicants.

Organizational Context

Adeso, formally known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. 

At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. 

We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.
 
For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. 

Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Our current donor portfolio includes the European Commission, USAID, SIDA, CIDA, UNICEF, and the Government of Netherlands, among others.
 
Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

Position Summary and Scope

Adeso serves vulnerable populations in North East Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. We implement programs in the areas of Food Security and Livelihoods, WASH, NRM, Education and Emergency
Response. Adeso is also an important stakeholder in cash based programming; having pioneered cash-based transfers in Somalia and actively contributed to the community of practice since 2003.
 
Applications are invited for a Program Assistant role with Adeso. This position will support the OFDA funded Cash Response Capacity Building (CRCB) project. The project aims to expand the knowledge base and foster best practice in cash based programming through training of humanitarian actors, research in relevant topics and dissemination of resources on cash learning. The project will be implemented in six countries in Africa.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities
  • Review mails, respond to routine enquiries and draft responses for the cash learning project; 
  • Manage project meetings with vendors, suppliers and other consultants – including preparing documentation and taking minutes as necessary and identifying action points during meetings and follow up with the concerned parties to ensure that action is taken; 
  • Maintain an effective record and filing system for contacts, project activities, correspondences, and documents for quick and easy reference; 
  • Develop schedules and analysis to help review different training sessions; 
  • Provide support in drafting and formatting of reports; 
  • Assist in proposal development process taking responsibility for administrative sections of proposals developed and ensuring all application requirements are met; 
  • Assist in reviewing bids, fee notes and organizing for LPO and contract preparation; 
  • Manage conference and workshop logistics by preparing draft budgets, making travel and hotel bookings, sending invitations, preparing workshop materials and arranging for per diems; 
  • Maintain grant reporting schedules for the project and follow-up on project reports to ensure submission by due dates; 
  • Help in monitoring project implementation including review of burn rates from the monthly financial reports;. 
  • Support where appropriate in the planning and execution of the identified thematic areas such as research and technical material review; 
  • Ensure compliance to all Adeso and donor policies as well as program procedures and guidelines; 
  • Contribute to enhancing the visibility of Adeso across key stakeholders.
Skills and Qualifications
  • Degree in Social Sciences, Food Security or related fields. 
  • At least 1 year of related work experience, preferably for an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO). 
  • Proven interest & commitment to humanitarian and development issues and a demonstrable understanding of conflict/post conflict development contexts. 
  • Excellent organizational skills: the ability to work independently and productively in a fast-paced environment and ability to effectively see projects through from start to finish.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to successfully and effectively liaise with a variety of people in a multi-cultural and multi-site environment. 
  • Flexible work attitude, proactive and demonstrated creativity: the ability to work productively in a team environment and the ability to problem solve creatively with minimal guidance. 
  • Fluency in English, both verbal and written is required; language skills in French would be a strong asset. 
  • Excellent Computer skills: proficient in all MS Office, and some knowledge of database management would be an asset.
Desirable Skills:  
  • Time management, with multiple priorities; 
  • Detail oriented, discreet, tactful, courteous; 
  • Ability to work independently, set priorities, juggle tasks, meet deadlines; 
  • Initiative and innovation in assessing situations, troubleshooting, team-building 
  • Experience in cash based programming. 
  • Some basic logistical experience or qualification is an asset.
Application Process

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team and help contribute to better resilience and economic growth for African communities, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org.

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following: An updated CV; and An application letter which should includes full contact details of three work-related referees.
 
This position is only open to Kenyan Nationals.
 
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.
 
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.