World Agroforestry Centre Administrative Officer (Research) Job in Nairobi, Kenya

Vacancy: Administrative Officer - Research
 

About our organization: The World Agroforestry Centre (also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry or ICRAF) is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural
livelihoods. 

As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

About the position: Responsible for delivering consistently high-quality administration for research programme activities.
 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
 

General Administration

• Support and coordinate major scientific events promoting ICRAF’s research agenda.
• Support Deputy Director General- Research (DDG-R) in the management of Research Division through management of calendar, meeting support, management of ODDGR budget etc.
• Use business administration principles and processes to ensure smooth running of business workflows.
• Schedule and manage donor visits to the DDG-R.
• In consultation with the Partnerships Directorate, prepare and manage contracts with partner institutions.
• In consultation with HRU, prepare contracts of employment for both regular and other staff in the research division.
• Oversee office operations to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Liaise with the operations units of ICRAF for various support services as required.
• Supports operations by planning, organizing, and implementing administrative systems.

Programme Administration

• Oversee and manage the capital assets of the ODDGR.
• Coordinate weekly and monthly research related meetings .
• Organise Science Domain (SD)/Regions consultative meetings as required.
• Archive records and documents pertinent to the work of the research division.
• Ensure that information disseminated is complete, accurate, on time and logical.

Workshops and Travel

• Provide a leadership role in organizing logistics for workshops, meetings, and events and taking minutes of meetings.
• Handle travel bookings, requests and expense claims for ODDGR staff in liaison with the ICRAF Travel Office and Finance Unit.
• Make payments and account for workshop expenses.
• Book meeting facilities.

Requirements:

• A minimum of degree in Business Administration with post graduate qualification in Project Management. A Master’s degree in relevant field will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years work experience in a busy office planning and managing programmes, reporting and overseeing the administration function.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to execute tasks on time.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Good computer skills with proficiency in MS office applications.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• A professional and flexible approach to work, with the ability to prioritize.
• Tactful, discrete and confidential, persuasive, sound and timely judgement.
• Sensitive to the delivery of strong customer service.
• Adherence to high quality of work with attention to detail.
• Ability to apply innovative and effective management techniques to maximize team performance.
• In-depth understanding of policies, practices, processes and standards for provision of advice and guidance on their impact on research program activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the budgeting process and monitoring.

Terms of offer: We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. 

This position is remunerated on National terms. 

The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a six (6) months’ probation period. 

The position will be based in ICRAF Headquarters in Nairobi.

How to apply
 

Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies
 

Applications will be considered until 24th September 2014. 

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted. 

To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org