Reference number: 202601
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The Senior Administrator, Governance & Strategic Partnerships, serves as the Board Secretary for CIFOR-ICRAF and plays a dual role in providing strategic leadership across institutional governance and strategic partnerships. The position ensures that the Board of Trustees and its Committees operate efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with institutional policies, donor expectations, and statutory requirements, while also supporting the CEO in positioning CIFOR-ICRAF as a credible, well-governed partner for current and prospective funders. The role manages all governance processes, safeguards the accuracy and integrity of records and decisions, and supports the Board, the CEO, and senior leadership in fulfilling their fiduciary, oversight, and strategic responsibilities. In addition, the role supports the CEO in advancing CIFOR-ICRAF’s business development objectives, with a specific focus on expanding and diversifying the organization’s donor base. This includes supporting strategic engagement with new and existing funders, contributing to partnership development and resource mobilization efforts, and positioning CIFOR-ICRAF competitively within the global funding landscape

Duties and responsibilities

1.Secretariat Leadership & Governance Management

·Serve as the principal liaison and administrative lead for the Board of Trustees and its Committees.

·Manage the full cycle of Board and Committee meetings: planning, scheduling, logistics, agenda-setting, documentation, and follow-up.

·Ensure all governance processes adhere to CIFOR-ICRAF bylaws, policies, and good governance practices.

·Support the CEO and Board Chair in preparing briefing notes, decision papers, and official governance-related communications.

2.Board Meetings, Documentation & Records

·Prepare, review, and quality-assure all Board documents, including meeting packs, resolutions, minutes, and action trackers.

·Ensure all decisions and actions are accurately recorded, monitored, and communicated to relevant stakeholders.

·Maintain an organized, secure, and up-to-date Governance Archive, including policies, Board instruments, and statutory records.

·Manage digital governance systems (e.g., Diligent Boards), ensuring accuracy, version control, and accessibility for Trustees

3.Compliance, Policy Oversight & Institutional Governance

·Monitor compliance with internal policies, legal requirements, donor requirements, and good-governance standards.

·Contribute to statutory filings, governance-related audits, and official governance reporting.

·Review governance policies, charters, and procedures and support updates or revisions as required.

·Advise the CEO and Board Chair on governance protocols, timelines, and compliance considerations

4.Strategic and Executive Support

·Provide high-level administrative and organizational support to the CEO and Board Chair on governance-related matters.

·Draft correspondence, statements, and official notifications on behalf of the Board Chair, Board Secretary (where distinct), and CEO.

·Conduct background research and prepare concise summaries to support Board deliberations and decision-making.

5.Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

·Serve as the primary point of contact for Trustees, ensuring effective communication and timely response to inquiries.

·Coordinate interactions between the Board, senior leadership, donors, auditors, and external partners where governance matters arise.

·Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and institutional integrity in all interactions.

6.Strategic Partnerships & Business Development Support

·Support the CEO in expanding and diversifying CIFOR-ICRAF’s donor base by identifying, cultivating, and strengthening relationships with new and existing funders, including bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, development banks, and other strategic financing partners.

·Coordinate and support high-level engagement with funders involving the CEO, senior leadership, and Trustees, including preparation of briefing materials, background notes, and meeting documentation.

·Maintain an overview of strategic donor relationships, engagement pipelines, and key touchpoints to support informed decision-making by the CEO and senior leadership.

·Support the CEO’s Office in monitoring trends in the funding landscape and identifying opportunities for new partnerships aligned with CIFOR-ICRAF’s strategic priorities.

7.Research, Documentation, and Knowledge Management

·Conduct background research to support governance matters, institutional benchmarking, and policy development.

·Maintain an organized and up-to-date Governance Archive, including Board resolutions, bylaws, policies, and governing instruments.

Education, knowledge and experience

•Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Law, Business Administration, International Relations, Governance, or a related field.
•A relevant postgraduate qualification or professional certification in governance is an asset.
•At least 7–10 years of experience in governance, executive administration, or Board Secretariat functions within an international, research, intergovernmental or complex organizational environment.
•Strong track record in minute-taking, agenda-setting, decision tracking, and stakeholder coordination.
•Experience supporting or acting as a Board Secretary is highly desirable.
•Experience supporting senior executives in fundraising, donor engagement, partnership development, or resource mobilization processes within an international or development-oriented organization is highly desirable.
•Deep understanding of governance principles, organizational bylaws, and oversight processes.
•Strong understanding of donor landscapes, partnership models, and governance considerations underpinning institutional funding relationships.
•Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong analytical and drafting abilities.
•High integrity, discretion, and capacity to manage confidential information.
•Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Globally Recruited Position (GRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience.
•The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi CIFOR-ICRAF Offices. The interviews for this position will take place on 27 January 2026 and 28 January 2026.

Application process

The application deadline is 15 Jan 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.