Programme Assistant, Research at The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)

Overall, Job Purpose

• The Programme Assistant, Research – Temporary position will be responsible for providing administrative and programmatic support services to the Research program. The incumbent will ensure efficiency, effectiveness and high-performance standards are achieved and maintained. This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Providing a focal point of contact and continuous liaison with researchers, project coordinators, reviewers and network members for effective coordination of research.
• Handling/receiving official calls and enquiries on Research programme activities.
• Providing support in preparation of reports, letters and contracts/grant letters for researchers, resource persons and members of the Programme Committee, and consultants for the department.
• Maintaining and updating a database for the contacts of persons and institutions within the network of the Research Programme while coordinating the research processes.
• Providing administrative/logistical support in the preparation and coordination of various meetings including but not limited to; technical and review workshops, policy dialogues/forums and social functions in the research department including and day to day liaison with the hotel representatives; preparation of workshop papers, documentation, and travel.
• Handling finances for the meetings stated above when required.
• Record Keeping.
• Sitting in various evaluation committees.
• Undertake any other duties as may be director by the Research Director, Manager and Programme Administrator from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration/Management/Public relations.
• Having a master’s degree in these subjects is an added advantage as is proficiency in French.
• At least 3 years of working experience in programme administration.
• Demonstrative experience in programme/project administration, monitoring and evaluation.
• Computer literacy including standard office applications such as MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access
• Demonstrated experience in working with databases and management systems software.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with attention to details
• Strong integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Fluency in written and oral English is essential.
• Excellent inter-personal and influencing skills at all levels.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work with computerised accounting systems
• Familiarity with information management systems
• Good team player
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work French is desirable.
• Prior relevant experience of working with or within international organisations, institutional donor agencies, Trusts and Foundations would be an advantage.