Project Assistant, Tanzania

Reports to: Project Manager

Contract duration: 12 months (with possible extension)

Salary:  Highly competitive within Tanzanian NGO market rates

Job purpose

The Project Assistant will support BBC Media Action programme staff to carry out a project which involves training, mentoring, co-production and research. S/he will also provide timely and accurate information to staff and partners.

Main Duties

 Manages communication with all partners to ensure the effective broadcast of project programmes and provides useful reports to the Project Manager for assessing impact

Keeps a record of all materials & equipment issued to partners and maintains communication on proper usage

Coordinates all the project’s training sessions and workshop activities by observing BBC Media Action procurement policies and procedures

Liaises with the administration team on project procurement matters

Manages the training calendar by ensuring effective logistical coordination of all activities planned

Ensures timely logistical arrangements for all external and internal visitors

Maintains a database of the project information and reports

Maintains liaison with partners to ensure the timely delivery of project and research information

Prepares training and project activity budgets as may be requested by the Project Manager

Maintains a proper record of all project documents and information

Acts as back up during the absence of the Administrative Assistant

Performs any other duties as may be required

Qualifications and experience

Diploma, in a relevant field

Fluency in English and Swahili

Experience of working with international donors

Good interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with BBC Media Action staff in country, UK and other key stakeholders externally

Able to communicate effectively at all levels within the organisation

Excellent IT skills with experience of operating Microsoft Office Suite

Willingness and ability to take the initiative not only in identifying problems but also in suggesting and implementing solutions

Able to take responsibility for any brief that might be assigned by the Country Director or Programme Manager

An eye for detail and a concern for accuracy, together with the ability to keep sight of the broad picture.

Ability to work to short deadlines

Competencies

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

• Analytical thinking – Able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically. Able to identify causal relationships, and construct frameworks, for problem-solving and/or development.

• Decision making – Is ready and able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.

• Planning and organisation – Is able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources requirements.

• Resilience – Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, setbacks or when dealing with provocative situations. Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.

• Influencing and persuading – Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others. Can draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.

• Communication – The ability to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.

• Managing relationships – Able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.

• Self development – Is able to identify and apply opportunities for learning and development.

Application instructions: Candidates should send their CV and a covering letter (PDF or Microsoft Word format) which outlines their experience and suitability for the role in English totzrecruitment@tz.bbcmediaaction.org with the name of the position applied for in the subject line.

Please do not send certificates or other attachments. Applicants with no separate covering letter will not be considered. Please only apply if you meet the basic criteria under the person specification. This is a local post applicable to people who have the legal right to live and work in Tanzania. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and only if a donor application is successful.

Please note that the availability of this post is dependent on the outcome of an application to a donor. 

Application deadline: Friday 14 June 2013