Research Projects and Office Administrator at University of Nairobi

Ref: AD/4/17/23

Job Specifications

The duties and responsibilities at this level will entail:

• Arranging and handling all administrative activities and logistics for the Institute and the Director’s office. These include research related meetings and events, both internal and external: schedule meetings; draft agenda; develop, compile, and distribute presentation materials; record meeting minutes and communicate action points for various stakeholders;
• Support drafting, editing, and preparing correspondences, reports, and other project related materials;
• Provide administrative and secretariat support to the Institute researchers;
• Facilitate performance of administrative and related tasks;
• Coordinate quarterly tracking of performance of outputs by researchers;
• Coordinate tracking of performance of the Institute;
• Track progress of implementation of research projects and activities and promote projects and the Institute’s visibility;
• Overseeing grant applications and proposal development at the Institute in consultation with the Office of the Director and researchers;
• Support day-to-day operations of the Institute;
• Facilitate acquisition of research permit and ethical clearance;
• Facilitate obtaining of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between partners and the University of Nairobi;
• Maintain communication and liaison with relevant University of Nairobi departments and units; and with funders and partners;
• Liaise with other departments of the University for improved performance of the Institute.

Person Specifications

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Have a Masters degree in Development Studies and/or Social Sciences or related disciplines from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications including use of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be knowledgeable on research grant management and proposal writing.
• Experience in carrying out development research, and management of research projects and/or grants is an added advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Planning and organizational skills;
• Ability to work with flexibility on several tasks simultaneously;
• Experience in preparation and management of seminars, workshops, and international conferences
• Experience in coordinating research programmes
• Ability to profile research outputs through communication platforms
• Team player
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Terms of Employment:

Employment will be on one-year renewable terms (with 3 months’ probation period) depending on availability of funds. Gross monthly salary attached to this post is Ksh. 118,000 - 153,000 per month depending on experience, and demonstrated competency.