Associate Officer - Projects

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Associate Officer - Projects will play a crucial role in providing project management support within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Center of Excellence. This position involves managing project roadmaps, coordinating with various teams across different countries, and ensuring that projects deliver the expected scope and business value in a timely manner. Reporting to the Regional DEI Lead for Africa and EMEA, the associate officer will be responsible for executing projects, identifying opportunities for operational efficiency, and supporting the development of country-level DEI priorities. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring project progress and impact, as well as effective communication and collaboration with diverse teams to assess and adjust project plans as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Officer - Projects include providing project support for the execution of various projects, programs, and processes aimed at delivering business value. This includes planning, managing, and tracking the progress of execution approaches. The officer will identify opportunities for operational improvements, propose potential projects, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement these projects. Responsibilities also include developing country-level DEI priorities, monitoring their status, creating documentation and communications, preparing presentations, providing logistical support, and managing SharePoint resources. The officer will build and manage the necessary project management infrastructure, serve as the front-line customer support for issue resolution, act as a point of contact for communications efforts, and ensure that all projects adhere to the foundation's guidelines, processes, and policies. Additionally, the officer will support an inclusive culture by modeling appropriate behaviors and escalating issues to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree along with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience. An MBA or PMP certification is considered an added advantage. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills, effectively engaging with a broad and diverse audience. They should also have the ability to track and manage formal and informal intersections and interdependencies, understand the implications of projects across the end-to-end system, and support strategic prioritization. Advanced skills in communicating strategic objectives and performance goals are essential, as is the ability to build momentum for projects in a dynamic environment with competing priorities. A solid understanding of the business benefits of projects and the linkage between project goals and organizational strategy is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Additional qualifications such as an MBA or a PMP certification are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in project management or a related field. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects effectively and demonstrating the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Experience in stakeholder engagement across different regions and cultures is also important, as the role involves collaboration with diverse teams.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the need for effective communication across various teams. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the regions where the organization operates.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position for 12 months based in Kenya, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The role may require travel approximately 25-30% of the time. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Kenya without visa sponsorship. As part of the hiring process, employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The organization is committed to inclusivity and provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the application and recruitment process.