Programme Assistant Job in Kenya

Vacancy: Programme Assistant

Strengthening Education Systems in East Africa (SESEA)

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non-denominational, development agency promoting creative solutions to problems that impede social development.

AKF part of the broader Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of development agencies that work primarily in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities.

AKDN agencies conduct their programmes without regard to the faith, origin or gender.

The Aga Khan Foundation is seeking an experienced Programme Assistant to lead the process of producing the annual work plan of the Strengthening Education Systems in East Africa (SESEA) project, a complex, multi-partner, regional education sector project aimed at improving education systems in select target areas of East Africa.

SESEA is a five-year project launched in April 2013 and this position is funded up to the end of February 2015.

Reporting to the SESEA Project Director, the position will be based in Nairobi with frequent travel to project sites.

This position is for a six-month fixed-term contract between 1 September 2014 and 28 February 2015.

The Programme Assistant will lead and coordinate the process of producing SESEA’s Year 3 Work plan.

She/he will work closely with various agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and provide technical support in the In-Country and Semi-Annual Review meetings in East Africa prior to the Regional Annual Planning Meeting.

She/he will take lead in the consolidation of the implementing agencies annual project work plans, ensure timely submission of the project implementation plan.

Qualifications and Competencies Required
  • Graduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as international development, economics, education, or the social sciences
  • Minimum of 3-4 years of relevant practical experience in a development context, preferably in the education sector
  • Familiarity/experience with development issues in East Africa and the education sector
  • Excellent organisational, writing and planning skills, and an ability to work under pressure with multiple tasks, demands and deadlines
  • Experience with results-based management, grant management, donor requirements and reporting processes is desirable
  • Proven ability to meet strict reporting deadlines and to produce results
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills in English and superb analytical, organisational, interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, CV and the names and contact information of three professional referees by 30 June 2014 to the Regional Human Resources Director, Aga Khan Foundation (East Africa), via e-mail to recruitment@akfea.org

Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


The Aga Khan Foundation is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org).