Meet the team: Maureen, Administrative and Programs Assistant.

Making a Difference Behind the Scenes: My Role as an Administrative and Programs Assistant

Hello, I am Maureen Wanjiru, and I am excited to share a glimpse into my world as an Administrative and Program Assistant at Africa Community Leadership and Development (ACLAD). In this blog, I will Walk you through my role, its impact, and how the administrative side keeps the organization and its programs running seamlessly. I am thrilled to give you a closer look at my experiences and the meaningful work I get to do every day.

What Does ACLAD’s Administrative and Program Assistant Do?

As an Administrative and Program Assistant, my role is dynamic and fulfilling, with three core components that keep everything moving smoothly within the organization.

1. Administrative Support
This is where the behind-the-scenes magic happens, I coordinate communication between the field office, program teams, and the CEO, ensuring that information flows smoothly and is shared on time. I take care of scheduling meetings and taking notes to track action items and decisions. Managing logistics and procurement is also part of my duties, including overseeing travel arrangements and ensuring we have all the necessary materials and resources. I also manage child sponsorship and personnel files, monitor staff attendance, and leave, and provide general administrative support, such as coordinating conferences and banking. Additionally, I receive advance requests and ensure all Organization related payments are out in time, I also review expense reports from the field and liaise with the finance team to ensure accurate monthly bookkeeping. Assisting with contracts, budgeting, and office fund management are also key tasks, all aimed at ensuring that ACLAD runs efficiently and effectively.

2. Program Support
Supporting ACLAD’s programs is at the heart of my role. I provide logistical and implementation support for events, meetings, workshops, and other activities. I help maintain and update key program documents and contribute to the development of proposals, budgets, and work plans for new programs and projects. One of my key responsibilities is supporting the Child Sponsorship program in Kilifi, Kajiado, and Nairobi, where I assist with activities such as household assessments, caregiver groups, and supervision of community facilitators. I also engage with sponsored children in the three Counties regularly, providing mentorship and guidance. Work is fast paced but knowing that my efforts contribute to changing children’s lives for the better makes every task worthwhile.

3. Research Assistance
In this component, I play a role in the design and execution of data collection for our programs. I help create data collection tools such as surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion formats, which are crucial for gathering valuable insights on our activities and outcomes. I participate in the data collection process through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and surveys, and then assist in coding the data and drafting reports, and co-authoring abstracts. Through these processes, I help ensure that our programs remain impactful, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the communities.

Conclusion:
Being an Administrative and Program Assistant at ACLAD means wearing many hats and contributing to various aspects of the organization’s work. Whether it is managing logistics, supporting programs, or assisting with research, each part of my role plays a vital role in the success of our mission. I am proud to be part of an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of children and communities across Kenya. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about what I do – it is truly a rewarding journey!

Maureen Wanjiru

Administrative and Programs Assistant