Administrative Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Assistant will play a crucial role in the day-to-day administrative operations of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). This position is designed to ensure that administrative activities are delivered effectively and efficiently, contributing to the overall mission of CRS to serve the poor and vulnerable. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing high-quality service and ensuring the proper stewardship of resources, which is essential for operational effectiveness and high-quality programming. The role requires a proactive approach to managing multiple tasks and responsibilities, ensuring that all administrative functions are performed in a timely and organized manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Assistant will be tasked with a variety of duties including preparing payment requests as needed, following up on timely cash requests from PDP/Field offices, and preparing requests for approval. The role also involves communicating with PDP/Field office staff to ensure timely liquidation reports are submitted for final review and approval. Additionally, the assistant will manage the efficient use of PDP/Field office assets, participate in warehouse assessments with the Logistics team, and maintain communication with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and cleaning service providers. The assistant will also be responsible for receiving monthly performance reports from service providers and providing confirmations for payments to the Head Office Admin team. Identifying safety issues and ensuring a safe work environment will also be part of the responsibilities, along with performing other operations support activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree and have at least two years of experience working in an office environment in a clerical or administrative role. Experience with local or international NGOs is a plus, and additional education may substitute for some experience. The ideal candidate should have strong time management skills, a customer service orientation, and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word, is required, along with experience in data entry and working with various office equipment.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree is required for this position. The educational background should ideally be in a field related to administration or business management, although other relevant degrees may also be considered. The candidate's educational qualifications should demonstrate a solid foundation in administrative practices and procedures.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in an office environment, specifically in a clerical or administrative capacity. Experience working with a local or international NGO is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context for the responsibilities associated with this role. Candidates with additional education may have some of their experience requirements waived, depending on the relevance of their educational background to the position.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Amharic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the Afar language is considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with certain communities and stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms is essential for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
This position does not require travel and is based in Ethiopia. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding practices to protect program participants and community members.