Project Support Officer (LE4) at Australian High Commission Kenya

About the position

The Australian High Commission in Nairobi is recruiting new members to join our Political and Economic Section. We are looking for people who can help us to strengthen Australia’s engagement across East Africa (Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania). Our ideal candidate is someone who is upbeat, proactive and enjoys collaboration.

Under general direction, the Project Support Officer provides administrative support to the Australian High Commission’s engagement programs in East Africa. The role also assists with the development and maintenance of AHC outreach activities, diplomatic communications and related record keeping.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, manage and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships including program beneficiaries, diplomatic missions, national governments and departmental headquarters.
• Manage and maintain databases and record keeping relating to key stakeholders and communications, budgets and administrative processes.
• Draft reports, briefs and talking points related to AHC programs.
• Manage and coordinate processes related to the AHC’s small grants program—the Direct Aid Program—in accordance with departmental guidelines, including communications with program applicants, budget management and record keeping.
• Manage and coordinate other AHC programs, including the Australian NGO Cooperation Program and Australian Volunteers at the direction of senior officers, including liaison with the managing contractors, and reporting on outcomes.
• Proactively advise on key program risks and opportunities for program development, including research and outreach relating to potential program participants.
• Liaise and support the administration of the AHC’s engagement with Australian Alumni and East Africans studying in Australia.
• Plan and manage visits by senior officers, including preparation of elements of visit programs and briefs, logistics and other activities.
• Perform other duties and backup as required.

Qualifications/Experience/Behaviours

• Exceptional ability to communicate effectively and professionally, with government organisations, NGOs, universities, private sector organisations and other key stakeholders across East Africa
• Well-developed organisational skills, with the ability to concurrently manage different administrative processes over long periods of time, prioritise efforts and apply good judgement.
• High-level stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including the ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise, think strategically, apply judgement and innovation to achieve results
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility in meeting changing AHC requirements