The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant & Team Coordinator to join its Food team in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting senior leadership while contributing directly to programme operations, grant management, research and knowledge development. This is an opportunity for a highly organised professional to move beyond traditional executive administration and work at the intersection of executive support, programme coordination, grant management, research, analytics and global development. The successful candidate will support the Vice President and Directors of the Food team while helping advance initiatives focused on building more nourishing, regenerative and equitable food systems. Applications are being accepted for a limited period, with the stated deadline of Friday, 21 August 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. About the Role The Executive Assistant & Team Coordinator will play a dual role. At the executive level, the position will provide high-level administrative and organisational support to senior leaders. At the programme level, the successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to grant management, project coordination, research, analytics and knowledge management. This makes the role particularly attractive to professionals who have strong executive-assistance experience but also want to deepen their exposure to development programmes and international policy work. The Food team operates in a fast-paced global environment, so the successful candidate will need to manage multiple priorities, work independently and exercise sound judgement. Executive and Administrative Responsibilities A significant part of the position will involve ensuring that senior leaders can operate effectively. The Executive Assistant & Team Coordinator will manage complex calendars, coordinate meetings and track competing priorities for the Vice President and Directors. Responsibilities will include: Managing calendars, meetings, deadlines and priorities Coordinating domestic and international travel Preparing detailed travel itineraries Organising meetings, events and convenings Preparing agendas, briefing materials and presentation documents Coordinating audiovisual and logistical requirements Preparing reports, talking points and leadership materials Managing expense reports and vendor invoices Processing purchase requisitions and related administrative requirements Maintaining partner and grantee information Managing filing systems, including SharePoint and Salesforce The role therefore requires exceptional organisation, attention to detail and the ability to anticipate the needs of senior executives. Contributing to Programme Delivery What distinguishes this opportunity from a conventional Executive Assistant position is the opportunity to participate in the Food team’s programme work. The successful candidate will support grant and contract tracking, including monitoring deliverables and maintaining relevant documentation. They may also contribute to the management of a portfolio of grants by supporting activities such as: Researching potential grantees Preparing grant memoranda Supporting site visits Monitoring grant activities Reviewing grantee reports Conducting research and analysis Tracking emerging trends This combination of executive support and programme responsibilities provides an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of how international development initiatives are managed. Research, Knowledge and Communications The role will also support the development and sharing of knowledge. The Executive Assistant & Team Coordinator may contribute to knowledge products, reports, commentaries and issue briefs, helping translate programme insights into useful materials for internal and external audiences. Additional responsibilities may include supporting internal communications, quarterly reviews and external convenings. The successful candidate may also represent the Foundation at meetings and events when required. These responsibilities mean strong written and verbal communication skills will be essential. Who Should Apply? The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a professional with substantial experience providing executive-level administrative support. A Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is preferred. Applicants should have a minimum of five years of executive-level administrative experience supporting a senior executive leader. Experience working in Africa is expected, with experience in agriculture, food systems or a related sector particularly desirable. Candidates should also ideally have experience working within a complex, fast-paced professional environment, preferably within a global or regional organisation. Key Skills and Experience Strong candidates should demonstrate exceptional organisational and project-management abilities. The role requires someone who can manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion while maintaining professionalism and sound judgement. Important capabilities include: Executive-level administrative support Complex calendar management International travel coordination Project management Grant administration Research and analysis Knowledge management Excellent written communication Strong verbal communication Problem-solving Attention to detail Stakeholder coordination Confidentiality and discretion Applicants should also have strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as the ability to learn new systems quickly. Experience with SharePoint and Salesforce would be particularly relevant given the responsibilities outlined for the role. Experience in Food, Agriculture and Development Is Valuable The Rockefeller Foundation is particularly interested in candidates who understand the African operating environment and ideally have experience in sectors connected to food and agriculture. Experience in private-sector development, supply chain management, agribusiness, impact investing, development finance or grant-making institutions would be an added advantage. This background could help a candidate contribute more effectively to the Food team’s programme activities while supporting senior leadership. Why This Opportunity Stands Out The position offers a rare combination of executive leadership support and substantive programme exposure. Rather than focusing exclusively on calendars, correspondence and administration, the successful candidate will have opportunities to participate in grant management, research, programme coordination and knowledge production. For experienced Executive Assistants, Team Coordinators and programme professionals looking to expand their responsibilities within an international development environment, this can be a valuable career opportunity. The role also provides exposure to the Rockefeller Foundation’s work on food systems and its broader efforts to support more equitable and sustainable development. Contract and Location Position: Executive Assistant & Team CoordinatorOrganisation: The Rockefeller FoundationTeam: FoodLocation: Nairobi, KenyaContract: 1-year fixed termEngagement: Successful candidate will be contracted through a third-party service provider supporting The Rockefeller FoundationExperience: Minimum 5 years of executive-level administrative experienceEducation: Bachelor’s degree preferredApplication Deadline: Friday, 21 August 2026 How to Apply Interested candidates should submit: An updated CV Salary expectations Applications should be sent to arohr@rockfound.org. The recruitment notice indicates that applications will be accepted for only three days from the date of posting, so qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications promptly. Join the Rockefeller Foundation’s Food team in Nairobi, support senior global leaders and contribute to grants, research, programme delivery, knowledge management and initiatives advancing more nourishing, regenerative and equitable food systems. Nairobi | 1-Year Fixed Term | 5+ Years’ Experience | Executive Support + Programme Delivery Applications close 21 August 2026 — apply promptly. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares, jobs, internships, fellowships, grants, scholarships, and other opportunities for informational purposes only. GSO does not participate in the recruitment or selection process. 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