Administrative Assistant/Secretarial Accounting

(Assistante de Direction/Secretaire - comptable)

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments, policy makers, private enterprises, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods. 

To develop our activities in Cameroon, we are recruiting a full time Administrative Assistant (Secrétaire-comptable) to be based in Yaoundé.

Description

The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the general administration of office operations of the Foretia Foundation.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• reception, administrative and clerical support;
• dealing with The Foundation’s visitors;
• supporting the Country Director, events and marketing coordinator and accounting and database administrator;
• coordinating grant applications.

Reporting Relationship:

This position reports to the Country Director.

Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years of working experience in a similar position.
• Computer proficiency (Windows XP, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel) required.
• Bilingualism (French and English is an absolute necessity).

Education

HND/BTS spevcialsing in Secretarial Accounting. Professional Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate staff coverage of office open hours
• Pick up mail from post office & coordinate outgoing mailings
• Manage office,
• Maintain office supplies and equipment
• Administer and perform administrative and clerical functions for The Foundation and answer telephone, transfer calls, and greet visitors to the office
• Perform correspondence with donors, volunteers, scholarship recipients and nonprofit organizations by email and mail
• Copy, mail and file acknowledgement letters
• Prepare and copy meeting materials
• Record meeting minutes
• Answer philanthropy, grant award inquiries and general questions about the Foretia Foundation
• Receive and organize philanthropy award nominations for review
• Maintain Foundation’s clipping file
• Assist with events and receptions by coordinating RSVPs, nametags, and varying event support
• Assist full time staff and interns on administrative duties
• Keep and maintain financial records
• Manage the petty cash account for daily operations
• Edit  financial statements and balance sheets

Requirements to perform this job successfully:

• An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The individual must exhibit a pleasant and welcoming demeanour both in person and on the telephone.
• The requirements listed with this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
• Some evening and weekend work hours required at various times throughout the year in particular supporting The Foundation’s annual events. 

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret correspondence and documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquires and complaints.
• Ability to write a business letter and other correspondences.
• Reasoning ability
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work without supervision.
• Ability to take initiative and complete project assignments independently and on time.
• Organizational skills and performing job requirements efficiently and orderly.
• Ability to maintain high degree of privacy and confidentiality.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• This is a no‐smoking work environment.
• The work environment is located on the second floor of a two‐story building.
• This position will be 40 hours per week.

Compensation:

The Foundation offers a competitive compensation package, including salary commensurate with experience, and paid vacation.

Application Procedure

All applications must be submitted using our online application tools. Before applying, you shall prepare a CV, cover letter and a writing sample. Submit your application online

Position opens until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis starting 21st July 2015. It is in your best interest to apply early.

Required Writing Exercise

To be considered, applicants must submit a sample writing sample (any document you have typed or written) on any topic dealing with the Cameroonian economy.

To learn more about The Denis and Lenora  Foretia Foundation, visit our website www.foretiafoundation.org