Administrative Assistant

Vacancy Number: A/028/14
Institute: Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Duration: Two years contract

The Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) seeks to recruit an Administrative Assistant  which is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia office

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The Center:

The Center for International Forestry Research is a non-profit, global facility dedicated to advancing human wellbeing, environmental conservation and equity. We conduct research that enables more informed and equitable decision making about the use and management of forests in less-developed countries.

Our research and expert analysis help policy makers and practitioners shape effective policy, improve the management of tropical forests and address the needs and perspectives of people who depend on forests for their livelihoods. Our multidisciplinary approach considers the underlying drivers of deforestation and degradation which often lie outside the forestry sector: forces such as agriculture, infrastructure development, trade and investment policies and law enforcement

Key Responsibilities:

The Administrative Assistant will be part of the Forests and Livelihood Team, in Ethiopia. The main task of the Administrative Assistant is to provide support for the research projects in Ethiopia.

Communication responsibilities:
•    Assists with reporting (i.e. project deliverables, donor reporting, workshop/meeting minutes, translation),
•    Assists in the development of annual work plans for the projects in Ethiopia,
•    Ensures the usage of the correct template,
•    Communicating with the CIFOR HQ office,
•    Working closely with the Scientist and other parties included to ensure delivery of the highest quality publications for national/ international journals.

Administrative responsibilities:

• Provides support for Ethiopia office in arranging appointments, organizing travel (putting the information in MyCifor for travel schedule), preparing travel authorizations,
• Ensures that financial records are properly kept, and forms are appropriately filled for advances and settlements so that planned activities are accomplished in time,
• Provides support for technical and financial reporting of projects,
• Provides administrative support services to CIFOR staff/visitors that may wish to visit Ethiopia and the region (i.e. arranges visa application, research permit) in coordination with HQ,
• Prepares list of publication for scientific staff in Ethiopia,
• Other project administration duties as required,
• Performs other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Skills and Competencies
Education & Experience:

• College Diploma in Business Administration or a relevant discipline
• Accounting qualification is a plus
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an international working environment

Skills:
•    Familiarity with the CGIAR systems, networks and processes preferred,
•    Experience in writing technical and financial reports,
•    Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken is essential; knowledge of other major international language is advantage,
•    Strong computer skills in all the main Microsoft office programs.

Personal Attributes and Competencies
•    Has initiative and be capable of working independently as well as in team environment

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Grade: 1C

Minimum Base: Birr 7,461 (Negotiable, depending on experience, skill and salary history of the candidate)

Terms of appointment:  This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, initial appointment is fixed term for two years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc.

The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.  Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: REF: A/028/14 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 28 May 2014.

To find more about CIFOR, visit our Website at http://www.cifor.cgiar.org
Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.