SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS OF ZOONOSES IN TANZANIA

PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Outline

This position is for a Research Administrator to support the activities of an international multi-
partner research project based at the Nelson Mandela Africa Institution of Science and
Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha. The project is funded through the UK Department for
International Development (DFID) and Research Councils UK (RCUK) through the Zoonosis
in Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme, and will involve a range of
interdisciplinary research activities to investigate how changing livestock systems affect
livestock and human health and livelihoods in rural and peri-urban communities of northern
Tanzania. The research activities include field studies in northern Tanzania, laboratory-based
research at NM-AIST and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), and policy
interactions with local, national and international policy-makers. The project will also support
the training of graduate students from Tanzania and the UK.

The position holder will have a major role in providing administrative support for the research
activities, working closely with investigators and technical staff from NM-AIST, and other
partner institutions in Tanzania (KCMC, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Ministry of
Livestock and Fisheries Development, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare) as well as
international partners from the UK (University of Glasgow and University of Sussex), New
Zealand (Otago University) and USA (Washington State University).

This is a full-time position for up to 48 months.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The research administrator will report to the principal investigator at NM-AIST in liaison with
the project principal investigator at the University of Glasgow. The position entails, but is not
limited to the following activities:

1. To provide administrative support for financial management of the project,
including processing of sub-contracts and invoices, disbursement and
reconciliation of advances for field work, maintaining up to date accurate financial
records, providing routine statements of project expenditure, and liaison with the
project administrator at the University of Glasgow for preparation of interim and
final financial reports for UK funding agencies and for addressing routine financial
enquiries about the project.
2. To coordinate the procurement of research equipment and supplies, including
international shipment and customs clearance of supplies in Tanzania, where
necessary.
3. To provide support for preparation and processing of documents required for
research and ethical clearance, and import/export of biological samples.
4. To take a lead role in organisation of project meetings in Tanzania, including
travel and accommodation arrangements of participants, venue booking and
providing assistance with preparation and dissemination of reports and other
outputs.
5. To assist with arrangements for local travel and accommodation of international
researchers while in Tanzania.
6. To provide oversight for maintenance project vehicles and vehicle documentation,
including insurance.
7. To assist with recruitment procedures for Tanzanian project staff and students,
and provide a key point for liaison between project staff and investigators.
8. To have responsibility for secure storage of project supplies at NM-AIST.
9. To assist with preparation of minutes from project meetings, including monthly
skype meetings, and compiling and preparation of material for the project website,
newsletters, conference presentations and reports, including powerpoint slides,
maps and figures.
10. To engage with other partners of the research group, as appropriate, to develop
the work relating to the project and the group as a whole.
11. The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of the
work assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities
and duties.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Attributes

Essential:
At least five years relevant work experience in a reputable organisation, including
familiarity with budgets and accounting.
Evidence of training in financial management and/or administrative skills.
A high degree of computer literacy.
Good written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
Financial skills sufficient to manage budget.
Excellent organisation skills.
Self-motivation and an ability to work under minimal supervision, including ability to
work under pressure to meet deadlines when required.
Confidence in dealing proactively with a range of project partners, including academic
researchers and policy partners.
Positive and helpful attitude in responding to enquiries.
Willingness to learn new skills and adapt within the role.
Flexibility to work through setbacks and delays.
Valid driving license

Desirable:
Knowledge of research project administration, including experience in research
permitting.
Experience with procurement for research and/or laboratory projects and familiarity
with procurement sources in Tanzania.
Experience of working in international teams.

Salary
An attractive salary package will be offered. The scale will depend on academic
qualifications and experience

Duty Station: Arusha at NM-AIST

Reporting to: Project Research Lead

Mode of application
All applications are required to submit their applications including the following:
Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts
Curriculum Vitae
Names and contact details of at least two professional referees
Individuals currently employed in the Public Service should route their applications
through their employers.
Contact details: telephone, e-mail and postal addresses



Closing date for receipt of applications:
September 24
th
2014

All applications should be sent electronically by email or by hard copy addressed to:
SEEDZ Project Research Lead
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
P.O. Box 447 Arusha,
TANZANIA
Telephone: +255 767-012-616
E-mail: joram.buza@nm-aist.ac.tz


And copied by email to:
Prof. Sarah Cleaveland
University of Glasgow
Email: Sarah.cleaveland @glasgow.ac.uk