Job Alert: Operations Assistant, Ghana

(Anticipated start date as soon as possible, preferably by March 2023.) This position is based in person in Accra, Ghana.

About Aquaya

The Aquaya Institute (Aquaya) is an independent, non-profit research and consulting organization dedicated to safe, equitable, and sustainable water and sanitation in low-resource settings. Our mission is to improve public health by reducing the burden of waterborne diseases. Aquaya was established in 2005 to provide development agencies, governments, and implementing organizations with a trustworthy and agile resource for conducting rigorous research, experimentation, and evaluation.

Aquaya has completed projects spanning public health, economics, technology development, and social entrepreneurship in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We have published or contributed to over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and produced numerous other reports and publications.

Aquaya maintains an office in Nairobi, Kenya. Staff members are also in the US, Ghana, Uganda, France, Ethiopia, and Morocco. Many of our projects are carried out in collaboration with academic research groups and expert consultants.

About the Operations Assistant position

We are recruiting an Operations Assistant for a full-time position based in Accra, Ghana. The Operations Assistant will report to Aquaya’s Operations Associate and will focus on supporting Aquaya’s operational needs in Ghana. The current Aquaya team includes 40 employees across seven countries. Aquaya has five full-time employees based in Accra and five full-time employees remote across Ghana (Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale). The Operations Assistant will support the opening of Aquaya’s first office space in Accra. In addition, they will be responsible for supporting with the following key activities:

• Office Management: Identify and coordinate with suppliers (furniture, internet, cleaner, etc.). Check the post office box and support any printing and procurement needs.
• Immigration: Obtain travel visas and work permits for staff and consultants.
• Legal: Liaise with legal counsel to ensure policies comply with Ghanaian law.
• Business licenses: Maintain business licenses and relevant insurance policies for the Accra office.
• Benefits: Support renewals and upkeep of benefits plans (social security/pension, health insurance, etc.)
• Recruitment and onboarding: Support staff recruitment based in Ghana and orientation for new hires in Ghana.
• Program support: Provide logistical support to the programs team in Ghana as needed, such as organizing events and procuring technical equipment.

Criteria for the position

The following qualifications are necessary for this position:

• A Bachelor’s degree.
• At least four (4) years of experience in operations, office management, and/or HR administration experience.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Outstanding computer skills and facility using Microsoft Office Suite and online platforms.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to work across numerous time zones, which may include early morning or late evening video calls.

We are also looking for the following skills and attributes:

• Previous experience working with international teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery.
• Ambition to set and achieve high standards for quality of work.
• Superb critical thinking to optimize operational activities.
• Outstanding organization with an attention to detail and an ability to establish systems to manage constant flows of information and deliver on deadlines.
• Proven ability to work closely with a growing team and to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a positive and productive attitude and a good sense of humor!

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position with an initial 3-month probationary period. Aquaya offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical insurance and enrolment in a pension plan.

To apply

Please submit your resume via e-mail to [email protected] along with a thoughtful cover letter. The deadline for submission is March 3rd, 2023, but may be filled sooner. There will be an additional screening survey and activity once your resume is received. In your cover letter, please explain in your original writing why you are interested in Aquaya’s mission and activities. Please also tell us why your skills, background, and accomplishments make you the ideal candidate for this position, specifically highlighting your experience.

Please note that we will not consider applications without a cover letter. In your e-mail subject line, please specify “Operations Assistant 2023.” No phone calls, please.

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