Assistant - Administrative Support

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.

Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

As part of the 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy, CGIAR has launched the global Resilient Cities Initiative to undertake scientific research, facilitate innovation and strengthen capacities in urban food systems with the aim to improve diets, economic opportunities, and environmental health for the urban poor. For the first three years (2022-25), the Initiative will work in six countries, including Peru, through local governments, universities, civil society groups, and private sector organizations to strengthen access to and use of improved technologies, skills, information, and management practices. Key objectives include greater efficiency and safety of urban and peri-urban food production, equitable business and employment opportunities in the informal food sector, increased investments in circular bioeconomic, better food environments for adolescents, and better integration of agri-food into urban planning and governance.

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for a proactive Administrative Assistant II to support the Resilient Cities Initiative members in a wide range of administrative and general support duties of a highly responsible and confidential nature to guarantee smooth flow and effectiveness of the Initiative operations.

The successful candidate will work with interdisciplinary teams at CIP’s regional office and Initiative’s team in Bangladesh/ headquarters in Peru and other country regions and will report to the Country Program Coordinator.

This position is based at Country Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh and can only be filled by citizens and permanent residents of Bangladesh.

• Lead preparation of documentations for procurement in accordance with CIP/CGIAR and donor policies.
• Provide administrative support to all project staff for logistics and office management services in accordance with the CIP/CGIAR standards and policies
• Comply with national and international health and safety laws, regulations, and standards
• Assist in the coordination and provide routine logistical and general administrative support in assigned events,
• Schedule appointments and meetings assigned by supervisor
• Maintain vehicle log sheet and prepare monthly report
• Support the Initiative Country Coordinator and their team to manage all Bangladesh-based activities in line with CGIAR rules and regulations.
• Support in handling petty cash to carry out day-to-day functions for maintenance of Country office.
• Perform basic maintenance of photocopiers/printers and other office equipment.
• Keeping track of basic office supplies by maintaining inventory and request for new basic office supplies.
• Assist in vehicle management.
• Support the planning and implementation of Initiative workshops, meetings, and external events in Bangladesh.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor from time to time.

• Bachelor’s degree in administration/ BBA with a minimum 5-year relevant work experience in supporting office administration, or

• Master’s degree in administration / MBA with a minimum 3-year relevant work experience in supporting office administration

• Outstanding writing and reporting skills
• Experience of working with donor-funded livelihoods or economic growth projects
• Excellent skills in handling office technology and software applications/ MS Office (Word and Excel)
• Experience in data collection, survey design, etc. added advantage
• Ability to organize project activities and processes
• Has basic knowledge of office equipment (fax machine, computer, scanner, photocopier, others)

Preferred

• Women and ethnic minorities are strongly encouraged to apply