Job Description
As Special Advisor to the Managing Director (SAMD) you will play a major role in building the capacity of the Africa Regional Office (ARO) by ensuring it is appropriately setting, prioritizing, and following through on its goals.
Serving as a critical member of the ARO team, the SAMD supports the Managing Director (MD) across all of his responsibilities and ensures that the entire team is aligned and executing on a prioritized agenda.You will help manage ARO external stakeholder relationships and take the lead on various projects.
The SAMD role offers the rare opportunity to work closely with the MD to drive real impact on a complex problem with a high level of strategic influence.
While drawing on an established project planning and management skillset, you are eager to support the work through continuous innovation.
The work will be fast-paced, often ambiguous, and spread across multiple, diverse projects simultaneously.You are right for this role if you are deeply entrepreneurial and have significant experience providing strategic, advisory leadership and project management support to prioritize and advance an agenda.
This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya and is a fixed term three year contract.
Responsibilities for the Special Advisor Job
Support to Managing Director
Working in collaboration with the Administrative Assistant, Associate Directors (ADs)/ and Regional Finance and Administrative Manager (RFAM), as needed, supervise the MD’s calendar of appointments, advising on essential and important engagements, both internally and externally.
As the first point-of-contact for queries to the MD, provide both effective communication about our work and apply judgment to triage new contacts and manage competing demands.
Serve as the MD’s proxy, develop and manage strategic oversight of the MD’s activities, and ensure appropriate follow through.
Managing internal processes
Support a formal management system with ADs/RFAM and initiative teams.
Manage the logistics of program team and all ARO staff meetings by setting agenda with MD and ensure parties are prepared.
Support MD by preparing him for all senior level internal meetings, assuring strategic advice and follow up.
External representation and influence agenda
Coordinate with internal stakeholders to manage the MD’s thought leadership plan and external representation.
Manage relationships with critical stakeholders with prepared briefs for important meetings and coordinated follow up with relevant external and internal staff.
Working with Regional Communications and Information Officer, assist in preparing documents for communications and the VPIS and/or President’s Office (briefing reports, talking points, input into speeches, articles, blogs, op-eds, etc.).
Projects coordination / management
Drive special high-priority projects/initiatives as needed, includingDesign, coordinate and support special projects such as ARO CRM.
Event coordination, both logistics and content.
Support the initiative team members in follow-up and follow-through on project management.
Competencies for the Special Advisor Job
Communication: Excellent interpersonal abilities; good listening skills; strong writing and verbal skills; assertiveness in presenting ideas
Decision-Making: Ability to work independently while evaluating risks and opportunities; uses analytical and problem-solving skills; takes initiative and drives for results; able to prioritize
Execution: Strong project management skills; meets deadlines; sense of urgency and responsibility; ability to multi-task and work under pressure; detail oriented
Integration: Accesses functional and substantive expertise organizationally; demonstrates inclusiveness, collaboration
Leadership: Thinks innovatively and creatively; displays negotiation skills
Partnership and Relationship Building: Strong professional representation of the Foundation, interpersonal abilities, intercultural knowledge and appreciation, strategic partnership building
Strategic Ability: Anticipates future opportunities and consequences, demonstrates innovative approach to work, ability to organize chaos into coherent plan
Qualifications for the Special Advisor Job
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs/Development, Public Policy, Management, Social Sciences
Minimum of five years work experience in multiple sectors, preferably with project and planning experience in both for-profit and non-profit environments
Track record in delivering results on time
Experience in managing multiple large projects concurrently
Working knowledge of French language desired
Compensation: The Rockefeller Foundation offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience.
The Foundation provides a very generous package of benefits.
