Personal Assistant at KEMRI- Nairobi

Personal Assistant Key Responsibilities:

• Coordination of the activities that facilitate the efficient management of the of the program, the team and its operations
• Organizing and managing The Director’s calendar and scheduling of meetings
• Typing, compiling and preparing reports, presentations and correspondence
• Identify, prepare, and compile necessary materials to ensure that the Director has appropriate information for meetings, reports, presentations, events, duty travel, and special projects; this includes agenda planning and logistics organization
• Administrative and logistical support for meetings and events, including stakeholder meetings, advocacy meetings/events, trainings /workshops in different regions
• Management of travel logistics of the Director and liaison with the travel agency
• Supporting the director with key projects, including conducting background research, literature reviews, obtaining approvals and permits and preparing research material
• Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records
• Plan travel, including flights, accommodation and ground transportation
• Coordinate events and speaking engagements
• Draft correspondence such as emails and letters
• Taking accurate and comprehensive notes at meetings
• Support preparation of presentations
• Take minutes of meetings
• Any other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor

Personal Assistant Vacancy Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (Mandatory)
• Certificate of Good conduct (Mandatory)
• Must be below 30 years (Mandatory)
• Strong analytical ability, planning, and organizational skills (Mandatory)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (Mandatory)
• Ability to work with multi-skilled teams (Mandatory)
• High level organizational and time management skills to organize own work, to establish priorities, urgency and meet deadlines (Mandatory)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask (Mandatory)
• Interest in Bioethics, training and capacity building (Mandatory)
• A high level of integrity (Mandatory)
• Excellent communication skills (Mandatory)

Personal Assistant career advice

I can confidently say, this profession is evolving beyond administrative support to include strategic task management, tech-savviness, and personal branding. A Personal Assistant is often the right hand of an executive, entrepreneur, or public figure, requiring a unique blend of professionalism, discretion, and adaptability. Salaries vary widely depending on industry and seniority, with PAs in Kenya earning between KES 60,000–150,000 monthly, and higher in corporate or international setups.

Here are 5 practical, actionable tips to thrive in this field:

1. Master Digital Tools: Today’s top PAs are proficient in digital platforms such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, Trello, and CRM tools. AI tools like Notion AI or Grammarly can boost productivity. Tech competence makes you indispensable in a hybrid or remote environment.
2. Improve Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication is critical. You represent your boss in emails, calls, and scheduling—ensure your grammar, tone, and clarity are flawless. Taking a short business communication or writing course is highly recommended.
3. Anticipate Needs: A successful PA thinks two steps ahead. Develop the ability to predict what your boss might need next—documents, meetings, follow-ups—without being told. This proactive approach will set you apart.
4. Strengthen Discretion & Confidentiality: You’re likely to handle sensitive information. Maintain strict professional boundaries and avoid casual gossip. Trust is a major currency in this role.
5. Upskill in Project Coordination: Many modern PAs manage small projects, events, or travel logistics. Learning basic project management principles (e.g., time tracking, budgeting, task delegation) can lead to promotions or expanded roles.

With the right mindset and skills, a career as a PA can evolve into executive support, office management, or even operations leadership.