Head of Secretariat

AfAS is seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Secretariat! Lead and manage the secretariat team, ensuring smooth operations, strategic coordination, and efficient communication. If you’re a dynamic leader with strong organizational skills, apply today to help shape the future of AfAS!

  1. Key Responsibilities
  • Manage the interactions with all key stakeholders and funders of AfAS to achieve the Society’s objectives. 
  • Responsible for managing the AfAS Office and the Accounting & Administration Officer and Interns.
  • Manage all projects to ensure the achievement of their objectives within the timelines and funding provided.
  • Manage the communications platforms and ensure effective utilization of these.
  • Support the various AfAS Committees in their activities.
  • Act as the Secretariat for all meetings of the Steering Committee.
  • Oversee the update and on-going maintenance of the website and the mail server.
  • In collaboration with the Project Manager and through the Accounting & Administration Officer, maintain the Accounting, Payroll, Banking and Governance/Administrative Systems of AfAS.
  • Ensure legal compliance of all activities of AfAS.
  • Ensure that all Statutory Returns are timeously, and accurately submitted.
  • Ensure that the year-end external Audit is completed.
  • Produce quarterly financial and operational reports as per the requirements of the Steering Committee and Stakeholders.
  • Ensure all funding received is accurately allocated to operations and projects
  • Responsible for the compilation of the Business and Annual Operating Plans.
  • Manage the compilation of the Annual Budget.
  1. Minimum Educational Qualifications

At least a PhD in Astronomy or related sciences.

  1. Minimum Work Experience
  • Three years’ experience in a University or Research Facility/Agency which includes the management of research and related activities.
  • Experience in coordinating international networks/projects
  • Experience in the development of Strategy/Business Plans and Annual Operating Plans
  • Experience in the drafting and evaluation of funding proposals
  • Good knowledge of the Astronomy landscape in Africa
  1. Desirable additional education work experience and personal qualities
  • Good administrative skills and computer literacy, especially Microsoft 365 or similar office software
  • Experience in evaluating financial and operational performance for Senior Management.
  • Ability to work independently and with teams
  • Strong leadership and project management skills
  • Good multi-tasking skills
  • Accounting and Payroll Administration Knowledge
  • Experience in managing communications platforms of an organization
  • Strong cross-cultural communication skills, Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, fluency in English

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Your CV, together with a cover motivation letter and names and contact details of 3 referees, is to be emailed to:

jobs@afasociety.org

Any queries should be directed to the AfAS Project Manager, Yunus Manjoo (yunus.manjoo@afasociety.org).

The deadline for application submissions is 31 October 2024.