CABI BACKGROUND
CABI (www.cabi.org) is a not-for-profit development-led organization supported by a solid scientific research base and a world class publishing service. Our mission is to improve people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our work increases food security and protects biodiversity.
We have over 350 staff based in 16 countries. We have offices in Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, the UK and the USA.
CABI is an intergovernmental organization that can trace its origins back to 1910. Our mission and direction are influenced by government representatives from our 49 member countries who help guide the activities we undertake. These include scientific publishing, development projects and research, and microbial services. We are also leading a major new initiative, Plantwise, which aims to improve food security and the lives of the rural poor by reducing crop losses.
Publishing
We produce key scientific publications, including CAB Abstracts – the world-leading database covering agriculture and environment and Global Health – the definitive bibliographic database for public health information. We also publish multimedia compendia, books, ebooks and full text electronic resources aiming to further science and its application to real life. Behind each of our products is a team of subject specialists committed to delivering the most relevant and authoritative information to researchers worldwide.
Development projects and research
Our staff research and find solutions to agricultural and environmental problems. We use science, information and communication tools to help solve issues of global concern. Our work is arranged around four core themes:
- Commodities – we work to enable smallholder commodity farmers to compete in global markets. We diagnose and control plant pests and diseases, and help farmers get a better price for their crops. We work on crops such as coffee, cocoa, wheat, rice and cotton.
- Invasive species – we are helping to reduce the spread and impact of invasive weeds such as Japanese Knotweed, water hyacinth and insects such as coffee berry borer and cocoa pod borer. We also advise countries at a policy level about agriculture, trade and the environment.
- Knowledge for development – we work with farmers, extension workers, researchers and governments to deliver agricultural knowledge and develop communication strategies and systems.
- Knowledge management – we use information and communication technologies to provide farmers, researchers and policy makers with the information they need to make informed decisions and to lift people out of poverty.
Microbial services
We manage one of the world’s largest genetic resource collections, the UK’s National Collection of Fungus Cultures. We conduct microbiological identifications, provide cultures for sale, and offer preservation and consultancy services. We are also screening our collection, looking for natural products such as antibiotics, vitamins and enzymes.
Plantwise
Plantwise aims to increase food security by providing knowledge. It helps poor farmers in developing countries improve their livelihoods by losing less of what they grow to plant health problems. This will be achieved through expansion of the plant clinic network which CABI has already begun to establish, supported by the creation of a global knowledge bank of information on plant health, pests and diseases. Plantwise will be a global programme, comprising an integrated set of projects and activities. www.plantwise.org
THE ROLE
Job title: Projects’ Administrative Assistant, West Africa Centre
Salary range: Hay 2
Grade: 2 year contract, with possible extension
Reporting to: Office Manager, Ghana
Direct reports: None
Key peer group: Projects Assistants, CABI Africa
Location: Ghana, West Africa Centre, CSIR Campus
Purpose of the role
To support the delivery of CABI Africa projects in Ghana. The post holder will provide effective, highly competent administrative project support and will carry out a wide variety of administrative support tasks to on-going projects at the regional sub-office in West Africa to ensure the smooth running of the increasing number of projects.
Support will involve both technical and administrative functions. Technical support will be in the area of communication and report writing, particularly in relation to crop production and health. Administrative functions will include organising meetings and workshops, ensuring proper documentation, and management of project technical and financial documents. This will involve implementing CABI procedures for project procurement, expenditure, and reporting.
Key Accountabilities
· Support with the organization of events, training/workshops (including booking of meeting facilities and other services) and ensure logistics are properly undertaken
· Support with the procurement of materials, equipment and services: requests for quotations, preparation of procurement documents and reception of goods.
· Maintain up-to-date project files and records of project documentation.
· Ensure mail correspondence with project stakeholders, draft and manage incoming and outgoing correspondence.
· Assist in the preparation of project budgets in accordance to work plans.
· Provide administrative support to the project team members in implementation of their tasks for the achievement of project results.
· Handle all travels (both domestic and international) and hotel reservations.
· Support the timely preparation and submission of project reviews, financial reports, programme evaluations, and any other required project reports;
· Prepare and disseminate invitations to project events, agendas, various information, as needed;
· Provide technical support to field visits and project sites.
· Undertake any other tasks assigned by supervisors in support of the efficient implementation of all projects.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Knowledge, skills and qualifications
• A first degree in Business administration or a Science related field
• Post graduate qualification an added advantage
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Organisational and administrative skills, including project planning and budgeting
• Excellent English & French, spoken and written skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Flexibility, reliability, tact and discretion
• Meticulous and good attention to detail
• Strong in grasping concepts and ability to adapt quickly to new different environments
• Proven analytical and drafting skills; good with figures.
Previous experience
• Experience of working in agricultural/livelihoods related projects with diverse partners such as local communities, NGOs, government departments, research
• Experience of office and financial systems an advantage
Personal characteristics
• Unquestionable integrity
• High initiative and self-driven requiring little or no supervision
• Team player
• Creative and innovative
• Fast learner and pro-active personality
• Ability to work with limited direct supervision
NOTE
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It is expected that the post holder and CABI will adopt a flexible attitude and accept that the duties may have to be varied according to circumstances, in particular changing corporate requirements and individual development needs.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
CABI is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be justified and selection will be based on merit.
How to apply:
To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter via our online recruitment portal at www.cabi.org/careers
Please note that the closing date for the receipt of applications is midnight (UK, BST) Friday July 19, 2019.
More Information
- Job City Accra