Program Specialist at International Potato Center

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Program Specialist.

The Position: The Program Specialist will provide program support for the implementation of Development and Delivery of Biofortified Crops at Scale (DDBIO) program. He/she will be responsible for providing administrative support to the global program team, organizing regional meetings; events and backstopping the efforts of admin assistants in the program’s implementing countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda). This position reports to the Program Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day to day administrative support to the DDBIO global team;
• Provide logistical support as needed (appointment, meetings, travel arrangements);
• Assist with program related communications (appointments, reports, booking meeting rooms / venues and equipment etc.);
• Assist in developing meta data, uploading, updating and dissemination of DDBIO publications and communication products on to various platforms including the CGIAR space, social media, project microsite etc.;
• Coordinate travel arrangements and logistical support - including the handling of travel requests and liquidations for visitors and program staff, accommodation, and arranging for meals for the project events;
• Backstopping the efforts of the admin assistants in the program’s implementing countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda) to effectively execute similar duties and support country teams;
• Compile workshop presentations, preparation of meeting materials for participants and maintaining and improving mailing lists
• Maintenance of office filing system (manual and electronic) including backup, archiving and storage;
• Assist in procurement and payment of bills;
• Handling maintenance of office assets and keeping an inventory of equipment and supplies;
• Assisting with the preparation of cash position and bank reconciliations and regular financial reporting;Selection Criteria
• At least a first degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics or other related discipline;
• At least CPA section 4 or ACCA level 2;
• A minimum of 5 years of finance and administration experience in a busy environment;
• Familiarity with grants, contracts and risk analysis;
• Experience as an executive assistant desirable;
• A team player accustomed to working with multi-cultural and diverse teams
• Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel
• Advanced Knowledge in software solutions (ERP)
• Advanced qualitative and quantitative analytical skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write project and financial reports;

Why should you consider this opportunity?

CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the- art R&D background, and is a recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members. What are the conditions?

The position is Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Kenya nationals and permanent residents only. The employment contract will be for a one-year term (with a 3- month probation period) and the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.