Job Description

An Exciting Career Opportunity: Programme Assistant – Research

Established in 1988, African Economic Research Consortium is a premier capacity building institution in the advancement of research and training to inform economic policies in sub-Saharan Africa.

AERC’s mission rests on two premises: first, that development is more likely to occur where there is sustained sound management of the economy; second, that such management is more likely to happen where there is an active, well-informed cohort of locally based professional economists to conduct policy-relevant research.

AERC builds that cohort through a programme that has three primary components: research, training, and policy outreach.

The organization integrates high quality economic policy research, postgraduate training, and policy outreach within a vast network of researchers, universities, and policy makers across Africa and beyond.

We are seeking to fill the position of Programme Assistant to be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with some travel responsibilities across the continent and reporting to the Manager of Research.

Overall Job Purpose: The Programme Assistant, Research is responsible for providing administrative and programmatic support services to the research programme for efficient and effective programme delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research Programme Support


• Overall administrative supervision of research portfolios, including the management of calendars of projects, preparations of periodic updates and reports, maintaining tight and professional communications with researchers, and stake holders.


• Assisting in preparing letters and contracts for researchers, resource persons and members of the Programme Committee, and consultants for the department.


• Maintaining and updating a database for the contacts of persons and institutions within the network of the Research Programme.


• Providing administrative/logistical support in the preparation of meetings, workshops and social functions in the research department including and day to day liaison with the hotel representatives; preparation of biannual meeting papers, documentation, and travel.


• Handling finances for the various meetings when required.


• Undertake any other duties as may be directed by the Director, Managers of Research and Programme Administrator from time to time.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business Administration/ Management, or equivalent qualification.


• A Master’s Degree in Economics is an added advantage.


• At least 3 years relevant experience in research.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Proficient in Ms Word, Ms Excel, Ms Power point.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.


• Familiarity with statistical and econometric software and management of large data set is an added advantage.


• Proficiency in French is an added advantage.


• Well organized and able to multi-task and meet deadlines with attention to details.


• Good interpersonal skills and a good team player.


• Ability to work under pressure.


• Ability and readiness to travel in Africa when need arises.

AERC offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Interested applicants should send their applications to recruitment@aercafrica.org by Wednesday, March 24th, 2020.

Due to the expected volume of applications, AERC will only enter further correspondence with short-listed candidates.

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