Sightsavers is hiring an Administrative Assistant to join their Nairobi office. This is a full-time role suited to a diploma-holder with hands-on experience in front office and office support functions. If you are organised, people-oriented, and want to support meaningful international development work, apply before the deadline of 3 May 2026.
About This Role
The Administrative Assistant Sightsavers Nairobi 2026 position sits at the heart of the Kenya country office operations. You will be the first point of contact for staff, visitors, and external partners — managing the reception area, coordinating travel logistics, supporting procurement, and keeping daily office functions running without interruption.
This role suits someone who takes pride in the details: the office that is always tidy, the meeting that runs smoothly because everything was arranged in advance, the visitor who arrives and finds their accommodation sorted. You will work closely with the Admin Officer, the office driver, and travel agencies to ensure all logistical needs are met efficiently.
Beyond front office duties, you will handle petty cash requisitions, maintain stationery stock, take minutes at meetings, and coordinate travel and accommodation for international visitors coming into Kenya — including visas and airport transfers.
Key Responsibilities
- Answer, screen, and forward all incoming phone calls while maintaining a professional and tidy reception area stocked with necessary materials
- Provide accurate information to visitors and callers in person, by phone, and via email
- Monitor office access and maintain the visitor logbook as part of daily security procedures
- Coordinate travel, accommodation, airport transfers, meals, and visa arrangements for foreign staff and visitors in conjunction with Sightsavers head office travel department
- Facilitate staff travel needs in collaboration with the office driver and approved taxi companies and travel agencies
- Process petty cash requisitions with proper approvals and liaise with suppliers for cheque collections
- Arrange meeting logistics — venues, refreshments, lunches — for both in-office and external Sightsavers events
- Take accurate minutes during meetings as requested and distribute in a timely manner
- Ensure the office opens on time and that utilities, internet, telephone, stationery, and supplies are always available
- Liaise with the Admin Officer on procurement requirements and maintain stock levels for office supplies
Required Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Diploma in Front Office Management, Business Administration, or a related field
- Proven experience in a similar administrative or front office role
- Experience organising meetings, seminars, staff travel, and programme-related logistics
- Experience booking travel and accommodation for staff and international visitors
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Experience taking and distributing meeting minutes
Desirable:
- Prior experience working with an international NGO or development organisation
- Familiarity with travel visa processes for foreign nationals visiting Kenya
- Experience handling petty cash and liaising with suppliers
Skills and Competencies
- Attention to detail — you catch errors before they become problems
- Clear written and verbal communication in English
- Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential office information
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without dropping the ball
- Proactive problem-solving — you anticipate needs before being asked
- Reliable and punctual, with a strong sense of personal accountability
What Sightsavers Offers
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, within Sightsavers’ NGO compensation framework. As part of an international organisation operating in over 30 countries, you gain exposure to global development work, international visitor coordination, and professional growth within a structured and mission-driven environment. The Nairobi office provides a professional work setting with the backing of a reputable global institution.
About Sightsavers
Sightsavers is an international development organisation working in more than 30 countries to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with visual impairments to live independently. The organisation’s core mission is built on a striking fact: 80 per cent of blindness worldwide is avoidable. Sightsavers believes that is profoundly unjust — and works to change it through eye health programmes, inclusive education, and disability rights advocacy.
Sightsavers has been operating in Kenya for a number of years, running programmes in partnership with the Government of Kenya and local organisations. Their Kenya country office in Nairobi manages programme delivery, finances, logistics, and partnerships across the region. Working at Sightsavers means contributing directly to work that restores and preserves sight for thousands of people across East Africa.
How to Apply
Visit careers.sightsavers.org to find the Administrative Assistant vacancy and submit your application online. Ensure your CV clearly reflects your administrative experience, travel coordination work, and any NGO-related roles. Tailor your cover letter specifically to Sightsavers’ mission and the responsibilities listed above.
Application Deadline
Sunday, 3 May 2026
