Assistant, Nature & Carbon

Role Overview

Created in 2012, FSD Africa is a £30 million financial sector development programme based in Nairobi, funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID). FSD Africa aims to reduce poverty across sub-Saharan Africa by building financial markets that are efficient, robust, and inclusive.

The Assistant, Nature & Carbon role provides essential logistical, administrative, and implementation support to the Nature and Carbon Center of Excellence (COE) teams. This position is central to ensuring project results are achieved by managing onboarding processes, supporting program delivery, and handling organizational logistics.

Key Responsibilities

New Project On-boarding

• Support the COE teams in gaining approvals for new projects and onboarding implementing partners.
• Assist in preparing documentation for onboarding, including grant applications in compliance with Investment Committee standards.
• Liaise with procurement teams to develop Terms of Reference and selection criteria.
• Assist the risk and compliance team with due diligence on partners.
• Guide potential partners through the onboarding process, providing support with documentation.
• Enter project milestones and activities into management systems; coordinate with the Operations Manager for shared services.
• Conduct baseline safeguarding risk assessments for new projects.

Programme Implementation Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support to ensure results articulated in project plans are achieved.
• Perform general research on current events and news relevant to the team.
• Prepare, edit, and format presentations and reports in line with FSD Africa branding.
• Track project progress in tracking and knowledge management systems; alert leadership to delays.
• Maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and respond to queries.
• Assist with the COE portfolio risk matrix and quarterly reporting processes.
• Ensure timely submission of reports to stakeholders such as FCDO, the Board, and the Investment Committee.

Travel & Transport

• Coordinate travel for COE staff and stakeholders, prioritizing safety and policy compliance.
• Prepare travel procurement documents, authorizations, and budgets.
• Manage travel finances, including advance requests and expense claims.
• Provide logistical support for visas, vaccinations, and other pre-travel requirements.

Events Management

• Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops, and visits.
• Research costs and develop event budgets; manage financial disbursements for expenses.
• Handle bookings for venues, catering, supplies, and transport in compliance with procurement procedures.
• Act as the primary contact for delegates and provide technical support for virtual meetings.

Record Keeping

• Maintain the Nature and Carbon COE records and SharePoint folders.
• Update the COE contact database in collaboration with the communications team.
• Maintain procurement and company governance records.

Communication & Social Media

• Assist in developing and disseminating written pieces and reports.
• Draft communications for project stakeholders.
• Create and schedule social media content in line with the COE advocacy plan.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Education: A Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
• Competencies: The role requires behaviors mapped from Level 1 (Basic) to Level 6 (Executive) as defined by FSD Africa's success research.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, proficiency in written English, experience in logistics/event management, and familiarity with SharePoint and Microsoft Office.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the FSD Africa career portal on SeamlessHiring to submit their application: Apply here.