Project Assistant Job in Nairobi, Kenya (85K - 93K)

Vacancy Announcement: REGAL-IR Project Assistant
 
Organization: Adeso - African Development Solutions 
 
Project: Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands – Improving Resilience in Kenya (REGAL-IR)

Reporting to: Chief of Party (COP), REGAL-IR
 

Working with: Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), County teams and partners
 
Program / Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
 
Duration: One year renewable
 
Salary Grade: Grade D: KSH 85,227 - 93,130 per month (Gross)
 
Organizational Context: Adeso 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.
 
Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.
 
Project Summary: Resilience and Economic Growth in Arid Lands-Improving Resilience (REGAL-IR) is a 5-year project sponsored by USAID/Kenya and Feed the Future (FtF) to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth amongst pastoralists and transitioning pastoralists in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). 

The program is designed to empower communities to take charge of their development and to strengthen their capacity to select, design, implement and monitor activities toward increasing their social, economic, and environmental resilience to environmental shocks. 

Adeso is the Prime for REGAL-IR and manages implementation by a consortium of partners.
 
Position Summary: The core function of this position, based in the REGAL-IR project headquarters in Nairobi, is to provide administrative support to the COP and DCOP in general project management and liaison with partners.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities
 
Under the supervision of the COP, the Project Assistant will:
  • Manage the daily schedule for the COP, keeping him informed of appointments and meetings in good time and changing schedules when necessary.
  • Screen and prioritize communications with the COP from external and internal sources.
  • Draft project correspondence and take minutes in meetings.
  • Maintain paper and electronic files for project documentation.
  • Handle confidential information in a professional and discreet manner.
  • Act as the focal point for all required approvals for staff managed by the COP and DCOP (e.g. travel authorizations, advance requests and returns, time sheets, fund requests), including ensuring that the required supporting documentation is correct, bringing complete requests to the COP and DCOP for signature, and scanning and sending the approved documents back to the requester.
  • In liaison with the Operations Manager, assist with travel arrangements to the field for the COP and DCOP including flight/vehicle and accommodation bookings.
  • In liaison with the Operations Manager, assist with arrangements for workshops and meetings including venue selection and liaison with participants.
  • Maintain an up to date contacts database for REGAL-IR.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the COP and DCOP.
Skills and Qualifications
  • Minimum of a Diploma in secretarial studies/administration or other relevant subject.
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft computer packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts.
  • Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks to strict deadlines.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Previous experience working in an International NGO preferred.
  • Ability to provide flexible support including occasionally after hours and on weekends.
Application Process
 
This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional.

 If you would like to join this dynamic team, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by 24th February, 2015.

Each application should be addressed to the HR Director and include the following:
  • An updated CV; and
  • An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees.
Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. 


Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.