• Position Title: Administrative Assistant I
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (CUEA Main Campus, Lang’ata)
• Employment Type: Full-Time (Permanent)
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: Estimated KES 60,000 – 90,000 Monthly (Note: This is an estimate based on 2025 market data from BrighterMonday Kenya and Glassdoor, where administrative assistants in Kenyan universities average KES 55K–85K gross, adjusted for CUEA’s requirement of Bachelor’s + 3 years experience and executive support to Finance & Planning Director. Final salary will be determined by the hiring university. Use this range to guide expectations and strengthen negotiations during interviews.)
• Category/Department: Administration / Executive Support / Finance & Planning
• Reporting To: Executive Director of Finance and Planning
• Application Deadline: Open (Apply ASAP – Rolling Recruitment)

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Introduction

The Administrative Assistant I role at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), a chartered Catholic university committed to holistic formation, provides high-level administrative and clerical support to the Office of the Executive Director of Finance and Planning. Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance or related field and at least 3 years experience in a similar position, the role involves compiling financial documents, coordinating workshops/meetings, managing schedules, drafting minutes/briefs, and ensuring seamless inter-departmental communication.

This position demands outstanding interpersonal/customer service skills, proficiency in computer packages and ICT literacy, and strong secretarial/administrative expertise. Ideal for organized, proactive professionals with excellent attention to detail, the Assistant will enhance efficiency in finance and planning, aligning with CUEA’s mission of academic excellence and Vision 2030’s human capital development. This opportunity suits discreet, collaborative individuals ready for impactful support in a faith-based, inclusive university environment.

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About The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, chartered in 1992 and located in Lang’ata, Nairobi, offers undergraduate/postgraduate programs in theology, business, law, education, sciences, and humanities across multiple campuses. With 10,000+ students and 500+ staff, CUEA achieves 85% graduate employability through research and partnerships. Contributing to Kenya’s KES 100 billion higher education sector, CUEA aligns with Vision 2030’s knowledge economy.

CUEA fosters a culture of faith, excellence, and service, offering professional development and community. For Administrative Assistants, CUEA provides mentorship, stable environment, and mission-driven purpose, creating a workplace where your support advances holistic education in a diverse, inclusive team.

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Job Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• At least three (3) years working experience in a similar position.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance or related field.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in computer packages and ICT literacy.
• Well versed in administrative and secretarial duties.

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Job Responsibilities

As Administrative Assistant I at CUEA, you will support the Executive Director of Finance and Planning. Core duties include:

• Assist in compiling financial and planning documents, presentations and policy briefs.
• Assist in resolving routine operational issues to maintain efficiency and continuity of services.
• Coordinate workshops, meetings, stakeholder engagements and travel arrangements.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between the Office of the Executive Director of Finance and Planning and other departments.
• Handle inquiries brought forth and direct to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
• Maintain schedules, event calendars, organize meetings, prepare agendas and draft minutes for the Executive Director of Finance and Planning.
• Provide administrative support for strategic initiatives led by the Executive Director of Finance and Planning.
• Provide administrative/clerical support to the Office of the Executive Director of Finance and Planning such as answering telephones, assisting visitors and resolve a range of administrative issues and inquiries.
• Provide proactive assistance in drafting presentations, briefing notes, policy documents and report writing.
• Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, supervisors and other stakeholders.
• Set up and manage proper or electronic filing systems and maintain accurate records in the Office of the Executive Director of Finance and Planning, ensuring confidentiality.
• Work closely with various staff to ensure smooth execution of daily administrative and operational activities.

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Company Culture and Values

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa fosters a culture of faith, excellence, and holistic formation, reflecting its Catholic identity. With 500+ staff, CUEA promotes diversity through inclusive programs and interfaith dialogue, encouraging collaboration via committees and research. Values of integrity, service, and knowledge guide operations, with Administrative Assistants central to efficiency.

CUEA supports growth with training and community, creating a purposeful workplace. For the Administrative Assistant I, this means advancing education in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in higher learning.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the Administrative Assistant I position at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Submit via https://recruitment.cuea.edu/Dashboard/JobDetails?jobId=JB-015&jobDesc=ADMINISTRATIVE%20ASSISTANT%20I&refNo=EMPREQ-199 (Apply ASAP – Rolling).

Include:

1. Application letter.
2. CV.
3. Copies of certificates/testimonials.

CUEA is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees.

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Tags

Administrative Assistant, Administrative Assistant CUEA Nairobi, Executive Support Finance Planning, University Admin Jobs, Full-Time Catholic Higher Education, Degree Business Administration 3 Years, Vision 2030 Human Capital

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Expert Tips for Success as Administrative Assistant I at CUEA: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for CUEA’s Administrative Assistant I, I prioritize applications that demonstrate executive discretion, financial document mastery, and stakeholder diplomacy in university settings. With a 70% rejection rate due to generic CVs or <3 years, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your Degree and ICT skills. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Executive Support Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek Assistants who enable directors—50% of shortlists go to candidates with coordination metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Supported Director with 200 meetings achieving 98% on-time”) grabs attention, proving your efficiency. Metrics align with CUEA’s executive goals.

CV Example:
“Supported Director with 200 meetings as Administrative Assistant candidate achieving 98% on-time.”
Why: This showcases your efficiency, aligning with CUEA’s support needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Administrative Assistant candidate at a university, I drafted 150 briefs with 95% approval, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s proactive needs, showing recruiters your proven skill.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I managed 50 schedules quarterly with 92% alignment, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your support skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with an on-time/approval metric. Include “Administrative Assistant I” and “executive support” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story. Attach a redacted meeting log. Follow up via recruitment portal emphasizing CUEA’s director focus. Network via Kenya University Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 2: Highlight Financial Document Compilation with a Brief Example

Why It Works: Compiling financial/planning docs is core—recruiters prioritize precise drafters. A specific example of compilation (e.g., “Compiled 100 financial briefs with 98% accuracy”) shows detail, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to assist, aligning with CUEA’s finance goals.

CV Example:
“Compiled 100 financial briefs as Administrative Assistant candidate with 98% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your detail, aligning with CUEA’s compilation needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at a finance office, I prepared 50 policy docs with 95% compliance, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s assistance needs, showing recruiters your detail.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I drafted 30 presentations quarterly with 92% clarity, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your detail with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Financial Document Compilation & Policy Brief Precision” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s finance/planning. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific preparation. Attach a redacted brief sample. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s document focus. Network via Kenya Finance Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Stakeholder Diplomacy with an Inquiry Example

Why It Works: Handling inquiries/directing stakeholders is key—recruiters prioritize courteous liaisons. A specific example of diplomacy (e.g., “Handled 500 inquiries with 95% resolution”) shows skill, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to facilitate, aligning with CUEA’s communication goals.

CV Example:
“Handled 500 stakeholder inquiries as Administrative Assistant candidate with 95% resolution.”
Why: This quantifies your skill, aligning with CUEA’s inquiry needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at a university, I directed 200 visitors with 90% satisfaction, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s facilitation needs, showing recruiters your skill.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I resolved 50 issues quarterly with 92% courtesy, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your skill with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Stakeholder Diplomacy & Inquiry Resolution” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s departments. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific directing. Attach a redacted inquiry log. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s communication focus. Network via Kenya Diplomacy Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 4: Highlight Schedule & Calendar Management with a Meeting Example

Why It Works: Maintaining schedules/organizing meetings is core—recruiters prioritize time masters. A specific example of management (e.g., “Managed 300 appointments with 98% punctuality”) shows organization, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to draft, aligning with CUEA’s agenda goals.

CV Example:
“Managed 300 appointments as Administrative Assistant candidate with 98% punctuality.”
Why: This quantifies your organization, aligning with CUEA’s schedule needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at an office, I organized 50 meetings with 95% readiness, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s drafting needs, showing recruiters your organization.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I prepared 30 agendas quarterly with 92% accuracy, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your organization with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Schedule & Calendar Management Excellence” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s Executive Director. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific organizing. Attach a redacted calendar sample. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s time focus. Network via Kenya Calendar Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Proactive Drafting with a Presentation Example

Why It Works: Proactive assistance in drafting is required—recruiters prioritize initiative takers. A specific example of drafting (e.g., “Drafted 100 presentations with 95% adoption”) shows foresight, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to provide, aligning with CUEA’s strategic goals.

CV Example:
“Drafted 100 presentations proactively as Administrative Assistant candidate with 95% adoption.”
Why: This quantifies your foresight, aligning with CUEA’s proactive needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at a director’s office, I created 50 briefing notes with 90% use, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s provision needs, showing recruiters your foresight.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I anticipated 30 needs quarterly with 92% readiness, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your foresight with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Proactive Drafting & Strategic Assistance” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s initiatives. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific creation. Attach a redacted presentation slide. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s proactive focus. Network via Kenya Proactive Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 6: Highlight Filing & Confidentiality with a Record Example

Why It Works: Managing electronic/physical filing with confidentiality is key—recruiters prioritize discreet organizers. A specific example of filing (e.g., “Organized 1,000 records with 100% confidentiality”) shows trust, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to maintain, aligning with CUEA’s record goals.

CV Example:
“Organized 1,000 confidential records as Administrative Assistant candidate with 100% retrieval.”
Why: This quantifies your trust, aligning with CUEA’s filing needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at a finance office, I safeguarded 500 files with zero breaches, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s maintenance needs, showing recruiters your trust.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I managed 30 secure systems quarterly with 92% integrity, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your trust with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Filing & Confidentiality Excellence” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s Executive Director. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific safeguarding. Attach a redacted filing index. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s discreet focus. Network via Kenya Confidential Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Issue Resolution with an Operational Example

Why It Works: Resolving routine operational issues is required—recruiters prioritize problem solvers. A specific example of resolution (e.g., “Resolved 200 operational issues with 95% continuity”) shows initiative, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to assist, aligning with CUEA’s efficiency goals.

CV Example:
“Resolved 200 operational issues as Administrative Assistant candidate with 95% continuity.”
Why: This quantifies your initiative, aligning with CUEA’s resolution needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at a university, I fixed 150 admin challenges with 90% efficiency, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s assistance needs, showing recruiters your initiative.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I addressed 30 issues quarterly with 92% resolution, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your initiative with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Issue Resolution & Operational Continuity” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s routine. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific fixing. Attach a redacted issue tracker. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s efficiency focus. Network via Kenya Resolution Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 8: Highlight Inter-Departmental Facilitation with a Collaboration Example

Why It Works: Facilitating communication/collaboration is key—recruiters prioritize connectors. A specific example of facilitation (e.g., “Facilitated 100 inter-departmental links with 95% synergy”) shows diplomacy, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to work closely, aligning with CUEA’s team goals.

CV Example:
“Facilitated 100 inter-departmental links as Administrative Assistant candidate with 95% synergy.”
Why: This quantifies your diplomacy, aligning with CUEA’s facilitation needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at a university, I collaborated with 20 departments with 90% smooth flow, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s closeness needs, showing recruiters your diplomacy.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I linked 30 teams quarterly with 92% execution, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your diplomacy with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Inter-Departmental Facilitation & Collaboration” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s departments. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific linking. Attach a redacted collaboration note. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s team focus. Network via Kenya Facilitation Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 9: Highlight ICT Proficiency with a Package Example

Why It Works: Proficiency in computer packages/ICT is required—recruiters prioritize digital admins. A specific example of proficiency (e.g., “Used MS Office for 500 documents with 98% accuracy”) shows readiness, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to support, aligning with CUEA’s literacy goals.

CV Example:
“Used MS Office for 500 documents as Administrative Assistant candidate with 98% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your readiness, aligning with CUEA’s ICT needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Assistant candidate at an office, I managed 200 spreadsheets with 95% insight, preparing me for CUEA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s support needs, showing recruiters your readiness.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I created 30 presentations quarterly with 92% clarity, aligning with CUEA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your readiness with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “ICT Proficiency & Computer Package Mastery” section in your CV with 2-3 examples. In your cover letter, connect one example to CUEA’s MS Office. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific management. Attach a redacted spreadsheet sample. Follow up highlighting CUEA’s digital focus. Network via Kenya ICT Admin Pros on LinkedIn.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Excellence-Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize Assistants who convey excellence passion and alignment with CUEA’s Catholic mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to CUEA’s goals (e.g., holistic formation) makes you memorable. Referencing finance/planning shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Service-driven Administrative Assistant I candidate with Degree Business, 95% executive support, passionate about CUEA’s finance/planning excellence.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with CUEA’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 90% resolution and ICT mastery, I’m dedicated to CUEA’s holistic formation through seamless administration.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to CUEA’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As Assistant, I empowered 92% operations at a university, ready to advance CUEA’s academic vision.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to CUEA’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your admin experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% empowered”), and passion for CUEA’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in smart professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, degree. Reference holistic formation. Follow up via recruitment portal emphasizing CUEA’s excellence vision. Network via Kenya CUEA Admin Pros on LinkedIn for insights.

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