Partnership for African Social & Governance Research (PASGR) Jobs in Nairobi Kenya

The Partnership for African Social & Governance Research (PASGR) is concerned with increasing the capacity of African academic institutions and researchers to produce research that can directly contribute to social policy and governance, and ultimately, to poverty reduction.

PASGR primary activities involves supporting African research on the governance dimensions of social policy as well as strengthening higher education so that graduates and faculty can make a greater contribution to African research and public policy.

The Nairobi-based PASGR secretariat is seeking appropriately qualified candidates for several positions.

Grants Manager

To be responsible for the design and implementation of an efficient grants management system as well as administration of all grants and ensuring that grant requirements are complied with.

The incumbent will also be responsible for confirming that expenditures remain within the approved budget.

Primary duties and responsibilities, to:

Establish and maintain an effective Grants Management systemEnsure that research and capacity building proposals submitted to PASGR fulfill all grant eligibility requirementsMaintain accurate records of all grants awarded, disbursed and payableMonitor existing grants' deadlines as well as develop internal reporting systems and appropriate historical recordsAssist in reviewing all grant budgets and verifying financial statementsIssue grant letters for authorization by the Project DirectorMaintain up to date records of donor grants and compliance requirementsAssist in preparation of the annual Programme of Work and BudgetMonitor expenditure levelsVerify financial statements and prepare periodic financial reports as well as projections of expendituresCoordinate logistical arrangements for meetings, conferences and other eventsQualifications, experience and requirements:
Masters degree in Business Administration;
Certified Public Accountant, CPA (K);
At least 5 years' relevant experience;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Good organizational skills and ability to multi-task;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and database management;
Ability to prepare financial reports;
Proficiency in French an added advantageFinance Officer

To support the Finance & Administration Manager ensure development and implementation of robust finance and administrative systems, and compliance with financial control measures.

Primary duties and responsibilities, to:

Participate in preparation of a multi-year Annual Programme of Work and BudgetAssist with development and implementation of finance and administrative systemsPrepare payroll and statutory payments, as well as payments to suppliers and consultantsConfirm expenditure compliance with budgetary and donor requirementsEnsure compliance with HR, Administration and financial policies and proceduresParticipate in audit preparations and implement audit recommendationsCarry out postings, as well as bank and other reconciliationsProduce monthly and quarterly programme financial reports and pass journalsVerify staff advances after travel and workshopsMaintain, update and reconcile the fixed asset registerMaintain petty cash and handle all petty cash paymentsQualifications, experience and requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Accounting option);
Certified Public Accountant, CPA (K) At least 5 years' of relevant experience preferably in NGO sector with at least 2 years' audit experience in a reputable audit firm;
Computer literacy particularly in MS Excel, and MS Word;
Experience in the use of accounting software;
Excellent interpersonal skillsProgramme Coordinators

Programme Coordinators are effectively the "professional staff' of PASGR, although the individuals will be contracted initially on a consultancy basis.

Two positions are to be filled by locally recruited candidates who will work on research and higher education activities across the region from the PASGR Office.

The successful candidates will provide day-to-day operational supervision as well as substantive advice in the development and management of programmes.

Primary duties and responsibilities, to:

Identify issues, information needs and activities needed for successful development and implementation of programme activities;Work with advisory committees and resource persons to support successful research projects in PASGR's thematic priorities and work effectively with universities and research organisations in Africa and internationally on research, higher education and policy uptake;Prepare reports, work plans and progress reports for their respective programme, including undertaking background work, research, preparation of discussion papers, programme budgets, strategy papers and presentation materials;Coordinate and monitor all inputs associated with the programme, such as scoping studies undertaken by advisors or other consultants contracted to support programme design and development;Lead consultation, communication and outreach activities associated with assigned programmes, identifying, engaging and communicating with programme participants and key stakeholders on behalf of PASGR;Support collaboration across programmes to ensure alignment and congruity among programme elements;Participate in PASGR programme team meetings;Assist Manager of Finance and Administration with financial planning and monitoring of programme activities;Assist the Project Director with organizational design and/or other activities as required; and,Represent PASGR (as well as the Project Director and colleagues) at regional and international events and meetings.Qualifications, experience and requirements
An advanced degree in development studies, social sciences, or other related discipline;
10+ years of relevant working experience in one or more of the following: managing research projects in the realm of social science and/or governance from conceptualization stage through the dissemination of research findings;
policy development and implementation;
direct experience working with universities in one or more countries in Africa;Strong programme administration and project management skills;
Excellent presentational and public-speaking skills;
Computer literacy particularly in the use of MS-Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
Ability to work both as a team-player and on own initiative;
Willingness to travel periodically in the region and internationallyCommunications Officer

To play the key supporting role in development of systems and strategies for PASGR's effective communication, dissemination and information management activities.

The Communications Officer supports all programme areas of PASGR as well as policy uptake and capacity building including: outreach, knowledge management, research policy support and partnership building.

Primary duties and responsibilities, to:

Generate interest in and demand for PASGR research within the African policy community;Support PASGR-supported researchers and educators build more effective relationships among each other and with the policy community;Support the Research and Higher Education Programmes through the preparation and dissemination of research products to reach researchers and policy makers.Provide guidance and capacity building to researchers and educators on development of optimal research uptake and networking skills;Support the Research and Higher Education Programmes through the production of briefing papers, website updates and working papers.Qualifications, Experience and Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Policy or related field (Master's an added advantage);
At least five years of experience as a communications professional;
Proven ability to write and produce high quality communications materials;
Proven ability to effectively coordinate research writing and editing tasks;
Expertise with web development tools and desktop publishing;
Proficiency using online databases and their operations;
Good team player;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and FrenchAdministrative Assistants
2 positions

To provide effective administrative and secretarial support to PASGR's Research and/or Training Programme.

Primary duties and responsibilities, to:

Prepare grant letters, reports, proposals and other documentationAssist with preparation and tracking of programme budgetsProvide administrative support to PASGR's meetings, workshops and other eventsHandle mail and visitors to PASGR's offices, and respond to general enquiriesCreate and maintain an up to date filing systemProvide general secretarial servicesTake minutes/action points during internal programmatic meetingsArrange travel to workshops and other official meetingsQualifications, experience and requirements
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, an advanced degree an added advantage;
Proven Secretarial Skills;
At least 5 years relevant experience;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French;
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office, especially MS Word and MS Powerpoint;
Well organized and able to multi-taskApplication Details

Candidates currently in the East African Region are encouraged to apply.

Applicants who require relocation assistance will not be considered.

Interested applicants should provide their applications electronically indicating the position being applied for (only soft copy applications will be accepted) and include their curriculum vitae, contact details and the names and addresses of three referees, under the subject "Job Applications, PASGR", to the following e-mail address: recruitment@pasgr.org

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No telephone or email enquires will be responded to.

PASGR is an equal-opportunity employer.

Applications should be received by 4:30 p.m. Nairobi time, Friday, January 21, 2011.

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