Operational Background
The International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED) is an international, non-profit, think-and-do tank headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with offices in Accra (Ghana), Maryland (USA), and satellite presence in Uganda and Mozambique. ICED provides thought leadership and practical support in the field of evaluation for development, with a particular focus on the Global South. Our mission is to advance innovative, context-responsive, and evidence-based approaches to development through robust research, capacity building, and policy engagement.
Position Summary
ICED seeks a highly motivated, mature, and organized professional to serve as a Senior Administration Officer, performing a hybrid role as both Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Human Resources Officer. She/He will provide a wide range of assistance to the President’s office, Human Resources Management and general office administration. The jobholder will support the management of operations in the President ’s office in Nairobi and Accra including coordinating workflows, work schedules, diary and information management as well as tracking progress on key corporate initiatives. He/she will be responsible for developing and executing ICED’s human resource strategy, policies, processes and procedures in line with the overall corporate objectives in the areas of organization design, talent management, resourcing and organization cultures. The level of responsibility associated with the position as an Executive Assistant and HR Officer will require the job holder to work independently, and with a high degree of diplomacy and sensitivity for confidential issues. This position requires a high degree of discretion, interpersonal intelligence, and the capacity to manage dynamic workloads across ICED’s country operations, supporting a team of approximately 30 staff, including four expatriates.
The ideal candidate will independently manage executive functions and lead core HR operations, with growth potential into a more senior HR management role.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Executive Office Support
- Manage the President/CEO’s calendar, appointments, and travel logistics to ensure efficient and prioritized scheduling.
- Organize and coordinate internal and external meetings, prepare relevant briefing materials, and draft minutes and follow-up action plans.
- Serve as the principal liaison between the President/CEO’s office and internal/external stakeholders, maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
- Support preparation and documentation for Board and donor engagements, including scheduling, logistics, and minutes.
- Manage complex international and domestic travel arrangements including visa processing, accommodation, and itineraries for the President/CEO and senior management.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems for sensitive documentation.
- Support cross-organizational initiatives directly managed by the President/CEO and ensure tracking of deliverables and timelines.
2. Human Resources Management
- Supporting the design and execution of ICED’s HR strategy, including workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and succession planning.
- Managing the full recruitment lifecycle in collaboration with hiring managers across locations.
- Coordinating onboarding, orientation, performance management, grievance handling, and exit processes.
- Ensuring accurate maintenance of personnel files and payroll records with appropriate confidentiality.
- Advising management on compensation trends, benefit packages, and incentive systems.
- Designing and delivering internal learning and development programs.
- Leading the review and development of HR policies and procedures, including employee handbooks and codes of conduct.
- Managing HR Information Systems (HRIS) and data integrity across ICED offices.
3. Office Administration
- Oversee daily office administrative functions, ensuring smooth operations across sites.
- Manage staff welfare programs including insurance, pensions, safety, and workplace wellness.
- Coordinate service contracts for office supplies, facilities, and utilities.
- Provide additional support and undertake other administrative responsibilities as delegated.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in human resource management (HRM) or in any other related discipline from a recognized university with a postgraduate diploma in HRM.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, ideally with prior executive support exposure.
- Demonstrated experience managing HR functions in multi-country or regional contexts is strongly preferred.
- Solid understanding of Kenyan labor law; knowledge of Ghanaian labor practices is an asset.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HR software systems.
- Strong organizational, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic and multicultural team.
Personal Attributes
- High integrity, transparency, and discretion.
- Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Flexible, adaptable, and resilient under pressure.
- Keen attention to detail and quality.
- Growth mindset with ambition to transition into a senior HR leadership role.
What we Offer
- A mission-driven, collaborative work environment across Nairobi and Accra.
- Opportunities to shape and grow ICED’s HR and administrative systems.
- Exposure to international partnerships and senior leadership.
- Competitive remuneration and benefits aligned with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following to hr@iced-eval.org:
- A cover letter (max 1 page) summarizing interest and suitability
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- Contact details for three professional referees.
Please use the subject line: “Application – Senior Administration Officer (Executive Assistant & HR Officer)”.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
