The KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is based within the KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medical Research – (Coast). Our core activities are funded by the Wellcome Trust. We conduct integrated epidemiological, social, laboratory and clinical research in parallel, with results feeding into local and international health policy. Our research platforms include state-of-the-art laboratories, a demographic surveillance system covering a quarter of a million residents, partnership with Kilifi County Hospital in health care and hospital surveillance, a clinical trials facility, a vibrant community engagement programme and a dedicated training facility. The KWTRP leadership includes the Executive Director Philip Bejon, the KEMRI Centre Director Benjamin Tsofa, the Ag. Nairobi Programme director Mike English and the Chief Operating Officer Catherine Kenyatta.

JOB PURPOSE: 

The position’s key role is to provide effective and efficient administrative support to the Health Economics Research Unit. The position is also vital for effective liaison between the Unit, other programme staff, and external partners and stakeholders

REPORTS TO:  Principal Investigator

JOB DIMENSIONS:

The primary responsibility of this position is to provide administrative support to the Health Economics Research Unit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate activities (e.g. conference calls, internal and external meetings, travel) by providing administrative, and logistical support services.
• Prepare budgets for meetings, fieldwork and travel for HERU staff and field activities.
• Carry out clerical duties including preparation of correspondence, mailing lists and taking minutes, typing and circulating them to staff as required.
• Maintain efficient and effective communication channels between the Head of Unit, HERU staff, and other internal and external parties
• Maintain the unit heads calendar and schedule of appointments, screen requests for meetings, and synchronize office and personal diaries to ensure that appointments do not overlap
• Organize the filing and retrieval of files and documents in order to ensure that they are secure and accessible.
• Coordinate the preparation of both local and international itineraries for the unit, confirm travel bookings and hotel reservations.
• Maintain inventory of office equipment for the unit, monitor utilization of consumables and requisition for additional supplies.
• Establish/maintain systems and records (i.e. paper flow, database etc) for project studies and publications for the units research team.
• Facilitate submission and maintains file of submitted HERU scientific proposals through KEMRI scientific and ethical approval process and notify Principal Investigators in advance when ethical approvals expire
• Project management support for ongoing research projects
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in relevant discipline; Degree in Commerce, Management, Business Administration, Business/ Office Management, Secretarial Studies or equivalent.
• At least 8 years’ experience in a similar or related role providing support to top executives and senior management teams
• High level of skill in Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications-outlook, word, power point and excel

Desirable Criteria:

The Post holder should have:

• Experience in arranging individual and group international travel, Visas and flight bookings
• Considerable knowledge of office procedures and secretarial practices including organization, planning, records management and general administrative skills
• Advanced record keeping skills

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong planning, organizational and administrative skills
• Strong problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
• Strong report writing, proofreading and editing skills
• High level of confidentiality and discretion
• Tact, poise and excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships
• Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and work within tight deadlines
• Team worker, able to work in a multi-cultural environment, punctual and high integrity