Management Assistant East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region

Join SNV as a Management Assistant in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region

We are SNV

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. Driven by a vision of a better world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably, SNV strengthens capacities and catalyses partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises. With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we support our partners in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia, tailoring our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create more equitable lives for all.

Our CARE principles—Committed to Impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Differences, and Expertise in Practice—are at the heart of who we are and the work we do. These principles are embedded in our vision, mission, and strategy, which serve as our compass guiding us towards 2030.

Job Description

SNV is seeking a proactive and driven individual to fill the role of Management Assistant. The right candidate will be on a national contract and placed in any SNV country within the East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region – Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan or Mozambique.

About the Role

Because of your commitment and precise planning, our Director of Country Programmes (DCP) and Deputy Directors of Country Programmes (DDCPs) know that they can rely on you. You plan meetings, record minutes from their meetings, answer emails from our DCP, plan travel for the DCP and DDCPs, and offer general administrative assistance.

You have an excellent eye for detail, are well-organised, quick to pick things up, and are well-versed in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and Teams. You have excellent written and spoken English skills. You love making a meaningful difference while working in a multicultural, global environment!

As Management Assistant you will:

• Oversee the DCP’s calendar and agenda, including setting up and coordinating meetings, handling preparation, announcements, the agenda, and the availability of meeting spaces and paperwork.
• Assist in organizing, preparing, and managing the DCP's and DDCPs' overseas travel, including making travel plans and applying for visas.
• Coordinate with the country office team to arrange schedules and local transportation.
• Prepare the agenda and take minutes at meetings.
• Support governance related matters (e.g. liaising on documents for signatures, due diligence documents for donors, filing of documents).
• Provide overall administrative support and back-fill other colleagues as needed.

Qualifications

What you will bring:

• A degree in Public/Business Administration, International Development, International Business or related field;
• 5 – 7 years of professional experience supporting senior managers, with the ability to function in a multi-country/cultural setting with a global scope.
• Quick learner, proactive, and someone who takes initiative.
• Relevant work experience, ideally in a dynamic office support function in an internationally operating organisation or company.
• Practical applied knowledge of secretarial and office management processes, gained by (vocational) education or experience on the job.
• Good level of English and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Teams, Excel, and Outlook for communication, documentation, and data analysis.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Flexible, dynamic, excellent interpersonal skills, able to relate effectively with a wide range of people, nationalities, and cultures.
• Ability to carefully manage confidential information.
• Ability to come into the office at least 2-3 days per week to deal with in-person matters.

Working at SNV

At SNV we challenge and inspire and offer continuous growth. We offer meaningful opportunities to shape the future, expand your skills, and collaborate with a vibrant, global network of experts. At SNV your contribution matters, and your development is our priority.

We are home to 57 cultures working in 22 countries, with about 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the respective countries we work in. We promote (international) career development. Our workforce consists of a mix of both people with longstanding tenure, willing to share their institutional knowledge, as well as people with external backgrounds and experience. All with an inquisitive view and united in ONE SNV working towards our purpose.

Together, we are committed to the effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts. Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, technical knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Reference & Vetting Check

At SNV, our belief in the CARE principles — Commitment to impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Difference and Expertise in Practice — shapes how we work with each other and every interaction we have with our colleagues, partners, and the communities we serve. These values guide how we welcome new team members, ensuring our workplace remains a place of trust, safety, and dignity for all.

As part of our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, we carry out reference and background checks for all internationally determined positions, with particular attention to safeguarding. You will be invited to provide the contact details of [two] referees, and we will only approach them once you have given your permission. We handle this process with care, empathy, and strict confidentiality, using the information solely for purposes related to your application and the role you have applied for.

In line with our safeguarding commitments — and as a proud participant in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) — SNV will also request a “Statement of Conduct” from your previous employer(s). This request covers any substantiated findings of misconduct, including sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, as defined by the Scheme. This process is not only a safeguard for our organisation, but also part of our shared responsibility to protect those we work with and to ensure that integrity, respect, and compassion remain at the heart of everything we do.