The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is an advocacy and grant making foundation that forms part of the global Open Society Foundations Network. OSIWA is based in Dakar, Senegal and works to support the creation of open societies in West Africa marked by functioning democracy, good governance, rule of law, basic freedoms, and widespread civic participation. It has offices in Abuja, Monrovia, Freetown and Conakry.
OSIWA is seeking to recruit a suitable candidate for the position of Program Assistant. Reporting to the senior program advisor, the program assistant provides administrative and program support to the Africa Regional Office (AfRO) of the Open Society Foundations. That support is provided within the framework of the rules and regulations of OSIWA where the program assistant is based.
Responsibilities:
- Provide logistic and administrative support to assigned program staff.
- Organize logistics and assist in preparation of meetings, conferences, seminars and special events
- Assist with processing grants, payments and reports.
- Process and track payment requests, a program spending and budget modifications. Process bills, monthly credit card reports, and reimbursement requests
- Prepare consultancy contracts, process consultants’ expense reports, and coordinate consultants’ travel needs
- In collaboration with respective program officers: conduct occasional research and writing assignments
- Travel as necessary to site visits with grantees and meetings as requested by program staff
Skills Required:
- Excellent written and spoken English and French
- Extensive computer skills (expertise with Microsoft Word, Excel and databases required) and ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse array of people
- Extraordinary initiative, creativity and capacity to think strategically
- Team spirit and respectful working and decision-making style
- Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail
- Integrity, diplomatic manner and professional discretion essential
- High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when required
- Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize
- Able to work under pressure when required
- Willingness to travel as needed
Education/Experience:
- A university degree in business administration, social sciences, project management or related field of study
- Minimum five years prior experience in an administrative/coordination role preferably in an NGO or foundation.
- Strong writing skills
Salary: Competitive salary, with good benefits package.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Dakar, Senegal
HOW TO APPLY:
Send resume, cover letter, brief writing sample and salary requirements, to: osiwarecruitment@osiwa.org
Deadline for application: 15th May, 2015.
Include job code in subject line: PA - AFRO - OSIWA
Early submissions are strongly encouraged
For more information:www.osiwa.org
Note: Due to the number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by OSIWA.
No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
