Secretariat Coordinator at Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Work Station: Biovision Africa Trust
Reporting to: Executive Director

1. Overall Responsibility

The Coordinator shall support the BvAT Executive Director in providing administrative and executive functions for the Continental Steering Committee (CSC) and its special committee in providing oversight to EOA implementation in Africa, reporting on progress of projects, donor engagement and fundraising, documentation and shall report thereon to the CSC. He/she shall be required to coordinate his/her activities with those of the CSC and its special committee.

2. Specific Responsibilities

a) Support coordination of the general functions of EOA administration
b) Attend to strategic and day to day management of EOA Secretariat staff, office and budget
c) Receive and transmit the CSC’s official communications and correspondence and keep official record of the CSC’s decisions
d) Schedule CSC and its special committee meetings, draft agendas, invite members and other guests as may be necessary and follow up on relevant agreed action points and recommendations
e) Prepare minutes of meetings and reports for the CSC and its special Sub-committee
f) Maintain an active and effective network of international and national organizations for routine communication of progress and results of the activities of the CSC
g) Maintain the databases of all programmes and projects for routine communication of progress and results of the activities of the initiative
h) Support the CSC in its fundraising efforts and provide analysis of investments in EOA in the continent
i) Support publicity and advocacy about EOA through EOA website maintenance by generating and sharing success stories, case studies, news and publications
j) Liaise with NEPAD and RECS on regular reporting progress and impacts of EOA behalf of the CSC
k) Liaise with relevant networks, forums and associations that support OA in close collaboration with the CSC
l) Participate, as appropriate, in the monitoring of activities of EOA projects carried under the general framework of the CSC or its special committee
m) Represent EOA Initiative in relevant forums
n) Perform other related duties as and when assigned by the BvAT Executive Director or Chair of the CSC.

Key Qualifications:
Education and Knowledge:

1. At least a Master degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a related course from an accredited institution.
2. Postgraduate qualifications in Communications, Public relations, International relations, political science, development or other relevant field.
3. Competence in project planning and management

Experience:

1. Minimum five years of progressive international experience working with International NGOs and/or Donor agencies preferably with secretariat experience.
2. Proven experience in fundraising
3. Experience in implementing monitoring and reporting of sustainable development programmes/projects
4. Demonstrated coordination experience in multi-agency forums.
5. Documented skills in developing proposals, budgets and reports.
6. Proven track record in preparing and presenting winning proposals to secure long term funding from local and international sources
7. Significant experience in the development of advocacy, policy and key messaging documents (Newsletters and Bulletins).
8. Previous work experience in Africa is preferred.

Personal Attributes:

1. Proven communication, public speaking, interpersonal and negotiation skills
2. Have strong relationship management
3. Demonstrated leadership and management skills
4. Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.
5. Ability to prioritize workload and demonstrate deliverables/outcomes.
6. Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
7. Knowledge in French language will be an added advantage.