Assistant to the Deputy Head of Mission and Regional Head of Cooperation
Embassy of Switzerland in Nairobi
As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Kenya, as well as between Switzerland and Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda. The Embassy represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic and financial affairs, science, education and culture. It delivers consular services to citizens of Switzerland and other countries and implements the cooperation strategy for the Horn of Africa.
The Embassy would like to engage a proactive and dynamic Assistant to offer administrative support to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHoM) and the Regional Head of Cooperation (RHoC). S/he will also be responsible for processing of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and organizing of cultural events.
Main Tasks:
Administration
- Preparation of diplomatic notes;
- Support with requests for legal assistance;
- Distribution of mails from the representation mailbox;
- Organization of invitations;
- Coordination of agendas and meetings for DHoM and RHoC;
- Organization of events (annual planning, reviews, partner meetings etc.);
- Preparation of documents for reimbursement of official expenses for DHoM and RHoC (e.g. travel, invitation costs);
- Regular update of the contact list for the DHoM and RHoC;
- Proof reading and editing of documents;
- Archiving of documents of DHoM and RHoC.
Others
- Responsible for the cultural activities and events of the Embassy;
- Processing of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships;
- Substitution of Assistant to the HoM;
Professional qualifications and experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Business management or related field from a reputable institute;
- Minimum of 5 years' post qualification experience in a similar field;
- Perfectly fluent in English; must have Level B2 or above in either German or French;
- Knowledge of another Swiss national language is an asset;
- Proficiency in full Microsoft Office Suite;
- Working experience in an embassy or an international organization is highly desirable.
Required skills
- Highly motivated, committed and able to work in a team;
- Excellent organisational skills;
- Ability to communicate effectively and in a diplomatic manner at all levels;
- Ability to work independently and under pressure and with minimal supervision;
- High degree of adaptability/flexibility and capacity to learn;
- Precise, dynamic and high level of integrity and loyalty;
- Strong service and customer orientation (both internal and external);
- Must be proactive, firm and respectful.
How to apply
Modalities of Employment and Application
- Duty station is Nairobi.
- Applicants should include a letter of motivation (maximum 1 page written in either German or French language) and a CV (maximum 3 pages). Certificates and other testimonials should not be submitted at this stage.
- Interested applicants should submit their applications to nairobi.vacancy@eda.admin.ch by latest 5:00pm 19th April 2023.
- Start date: ASAP but not later than 1st June 2023.
Kindly take note of the following
- You are highly encouraged to apply only if you meet the minimum requirements.
- Please be advised that the Embassy of Switzerland does not charge any fees from applicants at any stage nor has it engaged a third party to facilitate this hire.
- We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks post application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- All communications to the successful candidates will be done using the official contacts as listed on our website.