VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Location: Hanns Seidel Foundation Office, Kenya
Engagement Type: Fixed-term contract (with potential for renewal)
Start: As soon as possible, but no later than November 2026
The Hanns Seidel Foundation is seeking an Administrative Assistant for its Nairobi office: a colleague who supports our dynamic team and enjoys administration as much as people, and who keeps files and contacts in equally good order.
About us
We are a small, dynamic and capable team. We make decisions quickly. Our topics are new, fast-moving and politically relevant: information integrity and the governance of artificial intelligence, justice, economic and resource governance, and sustainable mobility. The Hanns Seidel Foundation is a German political foundation. It has worked in Kenya since 1987, and the Nairobi office is its hub for East Africa.
The role
You will keep our office and our network in good order. You will:
- act as first point of contact for partners, visitors and callers, and manage the office inbox;
- maintain our contact records and keep in regular touch with partners and suppliers;
- support the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops, delegation trips and the hosting of guests, including follow-up;
- assist with project accounting, procurement and VAT refunds in line with HSF regulations;
- look after inventory, filing, stationery and office equipment;
- deputise for the Accountant during periods of leave.
- provide general administrative and logistical support to the team as required.
About you
You enjoy administration and take pride in accuracy.
- You enjoy people. You build rapport easily, remember names and keep contacts current.
- You hold a diploma or degree in a relevant field and have at least two years of office experience.
- You know basic bookkeeping, have handled petty cash and M-PESA, and are confident with Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Your written and spoken English is excellent, your Kiswahili is good, knowledge of German or French would be an asset.
- You are available to start immediately.
What we offer
- A small team in which decisions are taken quickly
- Work on new, fast-moving and politically relevant topics
- A varied role across front office, events, finance and procurement
- A competitive salary based on knowledge and experience
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter of no more than one page, as a single PDF, to admin@hss.co.ke. Please quote “Administrative Assistant” in the subject line and state your earliest possible start date.
Application deadline: 12 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
HSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.