THE NELSON MANDELA

AFRICAN INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

(NM-AIST)
Program for Enhancing the Health and Productivity of Livestock
(PEHPL)
POSITION OF PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
Introduction
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha,
Tanzania in collaboration with four partner universities; Penn State University (PSU), Washington
State University (WSU), University of Glasgow (UoG) and Scotland Rural College (SRUC) will be
implementing a PhD program entitled Program for Enhancing the Health and Productivity of
Livestock. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the program is a joint effort of
the five universities and it is intended to train and engage researchers on projects to improve
the health of livestock and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The NM-AIST seeks to recruit a qualified candidate to serve as a Project Administrator for the
Program.
Position Outline
This position is for a Project Administrator to support the activities of an international multipartner PhD training project based at the Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science
and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. The project is funded b y t h e Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Seattle (USA) and will involve training of a
multidisciplinary, international cohort of PhD students registered at the five partner
universities on development of effective strategies for improving the health and productivity of
smallholder farmers livestock, and in turn enhance the wellbeing of households and
communities. In this research-intensive training program, fellows will work to enhance the
economic and food security of smallholder farmers in east Africa by improving livestock
genetics, health, and productivity while safeguarding animal welfare, public health and the
environment. The research activities will include field studies in Tanzania, laboratory-based
research at NM-AIST and partner institutions. The program will also involve hosting a Summer
School at NM-AIST that will bring together all the PhD students registered at NM-AIST and partner
universities together with their mentors or supervisors at NM-AIST on a yearly basis for the four
years of the program.
The Project Administrator will have a major role in providing administrative support for the
training and research activities, working closely with academic- and technical staff and,
students from NM-AIST, other institutions in T a nz an i a o r E a st A f r i ca as well as
international partners from the USA (Penn State University and Washington State University
and UK (University of Glasgow and Scotland Rural College).
Duration:

This is full-time, fixed-term contract position for up to 48 months, renewable

upon satisfactory annual performance.
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Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The Project Administrator will report to the Principal Investigator at NM-AIST in liaison with
the Project Coordinators at the partner universities (PSU, WSU, UoG and SRUC) and
Program Officer at BMGF. The position entails, but is not limited to the following activities:
1.

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6.

To provide administrative support for financial management of the project, including

processing of sub-contracts and invoices, disbursement and reconciliation of
advances for field work, maintaining up to date accurate financial records, providing
routine statements of project expenditure, and liaison with the Project Coordinators in
partner universities for preparation of interim and final financial reports for Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation and for addressing routine financial enquiries about the
project.
To coordinate the procurement of research equipment and supplies, including
international shipment and customs clearance of supplies in Tanzania, where
necessary.
To provide support for preparation and processing of documents required for
research and ethical clearance, and import/export of biological samples.
To take a lead role in organisation of project meetings a n d S u m m e r S c h o o l s
a t N M - A I S T , including travel and accommodation arrangements of participants,
venue booking and providing assistance with preparation and dissemination of
reports and other outputs.
To assist with arrangements for local travel and accommodation of international
students and mentors/supervisors while in Tanzania.
To provide oversight for storage and maintenance project facilities, supplies and
documents.
To assist with recruitment procedures for Tanzanian students, and provide a key point
for liaison between the Principal Investigator, Project Coordinators at Partner
institutions, academic staff, students and other stakeholders in then program.

7.

To assist with preparation of minutes from project meetings, including skype

meetings, and compiling and preparation of materials for the project website,
newsletters, conference presentations and reports, including powerpoint slides, maps
and figures.

8.

To engage with other partners of the program and as appropriate, to develop the
work relating to the program and the group as a whole.
The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of the work
assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.

9.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Essential Attributes:

Holder of a minimum of Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited

academic institution majoring in the following areas: Project Management and
Administration, Accountancy, Business Administration, Economics, Planning, Organizational
Development and Education Management. A holder of degree in other fields but with
demonstrable evidence of skills in project management and administration (including
accounting and budget management) may be considered.
At least five years of relevant work experience in a reputable organization.
Financial skills sufficient to manage budget and familiarity with budgets and accounting.
Excellent organizational and people management skills.
Evidence of training in financial management and/or administrative skills.
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Good written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili.

Good skills for writing reports for local and international audiences including funding
agencies.
A high degree of computer literacy and familiarity with modern software for accounting and
budget management, data analysis and presentation.
Self-motivation and ability to work under minimal supervision, including ability to work
under pressure to meet deadlines when required.
Confidence in dealing proactively with a range of project partners, including academic staff,
students and diverse external clients.
Positive and helpful attitude in responding to enquiries by program members and external
clients.
Willingness to learn new skills and adapt within the role.
Flexibility to work through setbacks and delays.

Desirable:

Knowledge of training and research project administration, including experience in in

research permits solicitation.
Experience with procurement for research and/or laboratory projects and familiarity with
procurement sources and procedures in Tanzania.
Experience of working in international teams.

Salary:

A salary of US$ 18,000 per annum will be offered to a candidate possessing the requisite
academic qualification, skills and experience.

Duty Station:
Reporting to:

NM-AIST, Arusha, Tanzania.

Principal Investigator for PEHPL.

Mode of application:
Eligible candidates possessing the above qualifications and attributes are advised to submit their
applications including the following:
Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts.
Most recent Curriculum Vitae.
Names and contact details of at least two professional referees.
Individuals currently employed in the Public Service should route their applications
through their employers.
Contact details: Telephone, E-mail and Postal Addresses.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Closing date for receipt of applications:
15th February 2015.
Applications can be sent by e-mail or by hard copy and should be addressed to:
Principal Investigator for PEHPL,
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology,
P.O. Box 447,
ARUSHA, TANZANIA.
E-mail: dvc-acad@nm-aist.ac.tz.
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