Programme Assistant – Research at Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR)

Job Ref:  PA/RP/03

Open to:  Kenyan Nationals

Application Requirements:  CV and Application Letter

PASGR’s Research Programme works with African social scientists to produce high quality governance and policy relevant research through periodic selection of research themes that have broad relevance to African development. The programme provides grants and technical support to researchers to examine development challenges and policies through a governance lens. To inform and influence policies, the programme facilitates a variety of research-policy communities (Utafiti Sera) in the countries where the studies are conducted. Reporting to the Head of Research Programme, the Programme Assistant is required to provide programmatic support to the Research Programme to ensure efficiency of operations and effective delivery of the programme’s activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support in the preparation of grants agreements/MoUs, proposals, programme reports and service contracts.
• Coordinate logistics for the Research Programme workshops/meetings.
• Organizing travel for PASGR Research Programme staff for meetings within and outside Kenya.
• Provide support in the preparation and tracking of research budgets and programmes of work.
• Support and carry out monitoring and evaluation activities for the research programme. Collect and collate data for the department’s monitoring and evaluation.
• Respond to general enquiries about PASGR research programmes and activities, as well as requests from research communities.
• Assist in the overall development and implementation of new and ongoing projects.
• Screen proposals submitted on new projects for basic completeness and handle related follow-ups, provide support on minute taking for internal programmatic meetings and arrange appointments for meetings of senior staff with senior government officials, donor representatives and members of PASGR network.
• Principal assistant to the head of programme

Skills and Knowledge and Work Experience

• Bachelor degree with minimum of 1 year’s experience in programme support;
• Prior work experience in a non-profit organization;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Attention to detail and efficient tracking of all active projects;
• Ability to do multiple tasks;
• Ability to think ahead, take personal initiative, work both independently and as a team member, collaborate and coordinate with others;
• Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills;
• Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and also internet research.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting literature reviews and report writing.
• Some background in finance and M&E will be an added advantage.