Job Opportunity at Strathmore University
Position: Project Administrator
Department: Strathmore Energy Research Centre
Reporting to: Head of Department – UNESCO Chair for Climate Change Resilience and Sustainability
Introduction
Strathmore University is a premier academic institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Guided by its core values of excellence, lifelong learning, and servant leadership, Strathmore University has established itself as a hub for academic and professional development across Kenya and beyond. The university remains at the forefront of addressing global challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate change resilience.
In line with its commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, Strathmore University, through its Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC), seeks to hire a Project Administrator for its UNESCO Chair for Climate Change Resilience and Sustainability. This role is vital in supporting the implementation of strategic projects, ensuring operational efficiency, and fostering impactful collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders.
The UNESCO Chair initiative is focused on advancing knowledge and building capacity in the field of climate change resilience and sustainability. The Project Administrator will play a critical role in ensuring that these projects are executed smoothly, effectively managed, and deliver meaningful results. If you are passionate about climate action, research-driven development, and stakeholder engagement, this opportunity is tailored for you.
Position Summary
The Project Administrator will play a pivotal role in advancing the initiatives under the UNESCO Chair for Climate Change Resilience and Sustainability, ensuring the seamless execution of projects that promote climate resilience and sustainability. This position involves overseeing project administration, coordinating stakeholders, and managing resources to enhance the impact and efficiency of climate-related research and initiatives.
This role requires a combination of strong organizational and administrative skills, financial management expertise, and the ability to facilitate collaboration among diverse teams. The Project Administrator will work closely with researchers, funding agencies, and institutional partners to streamline project operations, maintain compliance with donor and institutional policies, and support the effective dissemination of project outcomes.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Administrative Support The Project Administrator will provide comprehensive administrative support to the department to ensure smooth internal operations and efficient delivery of project activities. Office Management
- Schedule and coordinate meetings, including preparing agendas, recording minutes, and following up on action items.
- Manage all forms of departmental correspondence, postage, and courier services.
- Maintain office inventory and facilitate timely procurement of essential supplies, ensuring all administrative resources are adequately stocked.
- Organize all travel arrangements for departmental staff and guests, including flights, accommodation, and ground transportation.
- Ensure that all travel complies with institutional travel policies and stays within budgetary constraints.
- Plan and manage departmental events such as workshops, conferences, training sessions, and stakeholder engagement forums.
- Handle all event logistics, including venue reservations, preparation of event materials, and management of guest lists.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the department and the Communications and University Relations Office, aligning all events with institutional branding and communication strategies.
- Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Communication is central to the success of the UNESCO Chair’s activities. The Project Administrator will take the lead in ensuring consistent and clear communication both internally and externally. Liaison Duties
- Serve as the Communications Liaison for the UNESCO Chair initiative, facilitating timely and efficient flow of information within and outside the department.
- Represent the department in the monthly Communications Committee meetings to ensure all communications align with the university’s broader strategy.
- Provide regular updates to internal and external stakeholders about the progress of ongoing projects, upcoming activities, and relevant research developments.
- Work closely with the Chair’s team to plan, create, and manage content for the initiative’s website and social media platforms.
- Coordinate the maintenance, updating, and redesign of the website as needed to ensure accessibility, functionality, and user engagement.
- Develop, edit, and disseminate communication materials including newsletters, press releases, project brochures, and research summaries. All materials must adhere to the university’s branding guidelines and communication protocols.
- Project Coordination and Financial Oversight The Project Administrator will support the effective execution of project plans by managing day-to-day project operations and ensuring appropriate use of project resources. Project Coordination
- Monitor project timelines and deliverables, ensuring that milestones are met and project activities are aligned with objectives.
- Coordinate with project teams and collaborators to gather progress updates, assess risks, and adjust plans as necessary.
- Maintain detailed documentation of project developments, including progress reports, donor reports, and other relevant records.
- Assist with the preparation of project budgets and financial forecasts in collaboration with the finance office.
- Track project expenditures and ensure compliance with grant terms and donor requirements.
- Facilitate procurement processes in accordance with university and donor guidelines.
- Capacity Building and Continuous Improvement The Project Administrator will also support internal capacity development within the department and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
- Support training and professional development activities for staff involved in climate resilience and sustainability projects.
- Encourage documentation of lessons learned and best practices for use in future initiatives.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across projects and departments.
Minimum Academic Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in a business, management, administration, or communications related field.
Experience Requirements
- A minimum of three years of work experience in project administration, preferably in research, academia, or climate change-related projects.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and project management tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Familiarity with financial and grant management principles is an added advantage.
Key Competencies and Attributes
- Exceptional organizational and time management capabilities.
- Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in office management and providing customer-focused administrative support.
- Clear and articulate communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Strong team player with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
Application Process
Are you qualified for this position and interested in working with us? We would like to hear from you.
Kindly send us a copy of your updated resume and letter of application (ONLY), quoting “Project Administrator” on the subject line to the email address below:
Email: recruitment@strathmore.edu
Deadline for application: 8th April 2025
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the volume of applications anticipated.
Strathmore University is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage all interested applicants to apply regardless of race, gender, disability, or religion. The university does not, under any circumstances, ask for money from applicants during any stage of the recruitment process. We advise all interested individuals to exercise caution in response to any requests for payment or suspicious correspondence related to employment at Strathmore University.
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