Practical Action Consulting Project Assistant Job in Nairobi, Kenya

Vacancy: Project Assistant – Practical Action Consulting, Eastern Africa Region
 

Practical Action Consulting (PAC) is the dynamic consulting arm of the Practical Action Group. 

PAC extends Practical Action’s work by providing independent and professional consulting services in the use of technology for poverty reduction to governments, NGOs, donors and the private sector. 

PAC works with clients and partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America to deliver projects across the development sector and has particular expertise in energy access and small-scale renewable energy provision; climate change; Disaster Reduction, food and agriculture and inclusive markets development.
 

We are seeking a highly capable individual to provide programmatic, administrative and financial management support to ensure effective operations of PAC. 

This is a fulltime position based in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The position reports to the Manager – PAC, Eastern Africa Region.

Crucial to this role is the ability to support project administration and elements of financial management within PAC. 

The position will support communications, reporting and team development within PAC EA and across the group. 

The successful candidate will also assist in winning new work from international donors and commercial organizations by supporting proposal development and assisting in developing and maintaining networks in the donor, international agency, NGO, consulting, academic and engineering sectors.
 

You will interact and collaborate with with the Practical Action team in the EA region and also liaise with the UK PAC office on work documentation. 

Externally you will interact with associate consultants, service providers and clients.

Specific duties and responsibilities include;
 

Project Management Support

• Support in the preparation and submission of Expression of Interests (EOIs) and proposals


• Support in the development and maintenance of the following for each assignment: strategic fit checklist, Donor Project Approval Sheet (DPAS) and Contract Approval Sheet (CAS)


• Conduct desktop research on prospective donors and clients including newspapers and magazine review of opportunities


• Provide support in seeking opportunities for Practical Action in East Africa to participate in international development awards and other profile-raising activities


• Consolidating and updating PAC team weekly report; i.e. prospects and progress report on existing projects.


• Assist in preparation of contracts for Clients, Associates and IOMOUs


• Serve as the contact person for associates, clients, partners and international visitors


• Effectively support the implementation project(s) within PAC, effectively monitor and evaluate the projects with a view to informing the implementation process and keep the desired project outputs in perspective


• Document lessons learnt in each assignment/project


• Participate in needs assessments and other surveys as required.

Finance & Administration support

• Advise and follow-up with finance department on contracts that are due for payment; assist in preparation of payment requests and invoice tracking


• Maintain and update PAC timesheets and accruals


• Support the preparation of PR materials (such as case studies, leaflets) and implementation of PR events


• Liaise with Resource Centre Officer to handle external technical enquiries


• Maintain and Update PAC component in the website


• Maintain and Update database of Consultants


• Maintain and update PAC specific information in the organizational website


• Raise requisitions for engaging consultants and follow up with HR for contracts.

Qualifications:
 

You will have at least a bachelor’s degree in Energy, Environmental Sciences, Climate change, Business Development, Marketing or any other relevant field, at least two years’ experience in the energy sector. 

You require excellent communication skills, experience working in a donor funded organization will be an added advantage.

Fluency in English is essential and knowledge of French would be an added advantage.

How to Apply

If you have the experience, skills and the ability we are looking for, please send your application letter and updated CV to Practical Action, Eastern Africa Regional Office by email: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke no later than 22nd March, 2015.

Practical Action is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women are encouraged to apply. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.