Role Purpose Statement: The Project Assistant will serve as the primary administrative support for Busara staff and projects. They will be the primary person responsible for data collection, collecting qualitative and quantitative data, and carrying out administrative and logistical roles. The Project Assistant will be expected to have a working knowledge of research instruments and be able to efficiently and effectively collect data to address the core research questions. In addition, the Project Assistant is expected to have first-hand knowledge of their project population and be able to raise any potential challenges to data collection or data quality to supervisors on Project or Project Operations teams. Additionally, the Project Assistant should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Project Responsibilities
- Support allocated projects and maintain a strong understanding of a portfolio of projects, even those without direct project responsibilities
- Coordinate the project team and successful end-to-end delivery of project outputs in close liaison with the Project Associate and Analyst
- Build and manage constructive relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders
- Work closely with Associates, Analysts, and BRACE team to maintain uninterrupted project activities. Address and escalate any data collection issues that may hinder data collection progress or quality
- Responsible for lab or field systems, processes, equipment, and facilities. Work closely with all teams to schedule data collection to optimize Busara organizational resources
- Communicate with clients and PIs on Busara’s data collection systems and norms. When needed, assist in the design of complex data collection instruments
Lab Responsibilities
- Provide support to the BRACE team in carrying out data collection
- Communicate with clients or PIs when necessary with project updates, or queries
- Support project on-boarding and off-boarding for knowledge management, including preparing field reports on completion of field activities, and outlining improvement suggestions for future Busara projects in that context
- Maintain and update project timelines. Alert Associates on data collection progress, challenges, and deadlines
- Maintain community relationships during project activities. Serve as the primary liaison to the community and address any concerns or issues
- Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the project coordinator
Operational Responsibilities
- Manage courier services by collecting and delivering documents outside of the organization
- Oversee smooth running of the Office including; bills and utilities management, and maintenance of the office space
- Closely monitors office supplies consumption and co-ordinates timely replenishment
- Support in providing logistical support to all project activities. Work closely with the Business Operations team to coordinate project planning, community entry, hiring, procurement, and any other necessary logistics
- Responsible for project equipment and finances during data collection. Handle any necessary payments (with the Finance team) and coordinate procurement with relevant Operations teams
- Assist with internal culture initiatives when required.
- Performs any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the project coordinator or people operations manager
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Minimum Requirements
- A minimum of Diploma in Project Management, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related fields
- At least one year working experience as a Project Assistant
- Experience with large scale research and data collection projects preferred
- Excellent management and organizational skills
- Flexible, self-motivated, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player
- Interest and experience working in a fast-paced working environment
- Fluency and excellent communication and writing skills with a mastery of English and Kiswahili
As applications will be reviewed and selection interviews held on a rolling basis until the vacancy is filled, you are encouraged to submit your application soonest possible. NOTE: This role is open to Tanzanian Nationals only.