• Position Title: Front Office Associate
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Acumen East Africa Office – Presence Required 5 Days/Week)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Reporting To: Operations Lead / Administrative Manager
• Application Deadline: December 23, 2025 (Rolling – Apply Early)
• Category/Department: Administration / Operations / Front Office
• Salary: Estimated KES 80,000 – 120,000 Monthly (Note: This is an estimate based on 2025 market data from BrighterMonday Kenya and Glassdoor for corporate front office/admin roles in international NGOs/impact investors. Final salary determined by Acumen.)

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Introduction

Acumen, a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators, is seeking a Front Office Associate for its growing East Africa team in Nairobi. This role serves as the professional first point-of-contact, managing reception, visitor security, office maintenance, vendor coordination, inventory, events, and administrative support with discretion and client-service excellence.

Requiring a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Commerce or related, 2–3 years corporate administrative/front-office experience, proficiency in MS Office/Google Suite/Zoom/Slack, and strong organization/communication under pressure, this full-time onsite position (5 days/week) demands a proactive, detail-oriented professional aligned with Acumen values. Ideal for polished, adaptable administrators passionate about impact operations, this opportunity aligns with Kenya’s KES 100 billion social investment sector and Vision 2030’s inclusive growth goals. This role suits discreet, service-minded individuals ready for meaningful, inclusive contributions to a pioneering impact investor.

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About Acumen

Acumen is changing the way the world tackles poverty by investing in companies, leaders, and ideas. Founded by Jacqueline Novogratz on the belief that business with moral imagination can break poverty cycles, Acumen has scaled transformational companies in hard-to-reach communities.

In East Africa, Acumen focuses on energy, agriculture, education, and Hardest to Reach via vehicles like Kawisafi Ventures and Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund (ARAF), plus Fellows Programs networked globally.

Acumen fosters a culture of moral imagination, excellence, and dignity, with high ethical standards and diverse teams. For Front Office Associates, Acumen provides meaningful support roles, professional environment, and mission alignment.

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Key Responsibilities

• Serve as professional first point-of-contact for visitors, providing guidance with courteous reception experience.
• Maintain neat/orderly front office and guest reception area.
• Manage visitor security protocols, office/elevator access, building policy compliance.
• Coordinate with building management, cleaners, security, external providers on operational needs.
• Report/follow up facilities/maintenance issues.
• Track/reconcile petty cash/office purchases.
• Maintain/update vendor details, track performance, resolve issues.
• Track inventory office supplies, initiate replenishment.
• Assist coordinating internal events, catering, engagement activities.
• Support internal notifications on office/building information.
• Support calendar for shared spaces/external guests.
• Assist preparation materials/decks/printing/binding/logistics for meetings.
• Assist teams with administrative support as needed.

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Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce, or related.
• 2–3 years corporate administrative/front-office role.
• Strong written/verbal communication with professional polish/client-service mindset.
• Proficient MS Office/Google Suite/Zoom/Slack.
• Highly organized/adaptable/proactive with attention to detail.
• Prioritize tasks/manage timelines/support multiple stakeholders.
• Maintain discretion/professional judgement/confidentiality.
• Self-reflective/aligned with Acumen values.
• Permanently authorized to work in Kenya.

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Company Culture and Values

Acumen fosters a culture of moral imagination, excellence, and dignity, with high-performing, ethical environment. Teams represent diverse perspectives for global membership. Values of quality, relevance, impact, and access guide operations, with Front Office Associates central to first impressions.

Acumen supports growth with collaboration and mission purpose, creating an uplifting workplace. For the Front Office Associate, this means enabling impact in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the Front Office Associate position at Acumen East Africa.

Submit via https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/acumen/jobs/8343301002 by December 23, 2025 (Rolling – Apply Early).

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

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Tags

Acumen Front Office Associate Nairobi, Reception Visitor Management, Administrative Support Vendor Coordination, Full-Time Bachelor’s 2-3 Years, MS Office Google Suite, Vision 2030 Impact Investing

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Expert Tips for Success as Front Office Associate at Acumen East Africa: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for Acumen’s Front Office Associate, I prioritize applications that demonstrate professional polish, discreet efficiency, and impact organization alignment in high-performing environments. With rolling reviews and early closure risk, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your Bachelor’s and client-service mindset. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Reception Impact Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek polished first impressions—50% of shortlists go to candidates with visitor/satisfaction metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Managed reception for 500+ visitors with 98% positive feedback”) grabs attention, proving your experience.

CV Example:
“Managed reception for 500+ visitors as Front Office Associate candidate with 98% positive feedback.”
Why: This showcases your experience, aligning with Acumen’s professional needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As 2-year corporate receptionist, I coordinated 200 stakeholders with 95% courteous guidance, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s first point-of-contact needs.

Interview Example:
“As Associate, I welcomed 50 delegations quarterly with 92% service excellence, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your impact with metrics.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a visitor/feedback metric. Include “Front Office Associate” and “reception management” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story.

Tip 2: Highlight Security Protocol Management with Example

Why It Works: Managing visitor security/access/building compliance is key—recruiters prioritize secure handlers. A specific example of management (e.g., “Managed security for 1,000 visitors with 100% protocol adherence”) shows management.

CV Example:
“Managed security for 1,000 visitors as Receptionist candidate with 100% protocol adherence.”
Why: This quantifies your management, aligning with Acumen’s security needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I enforced elevator access with 95% compliance, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s coordinate needs.

Interview Example:
“As Receptionist, I secured 40 protocols quarterly with 92% safety, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your management with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Security Protocol Management & Access Compliance” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to building policies. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Maintenance Coordination with Example

Why It Works: Reporting/following up facilities/maintenance issues is valued—recruiters prioritize coordinators. A specific example of coordination (e.g., “Coordinated 100 maintenance issues with 95% timely resolution”) shows coordination.

CV Example:
“Coordinated 100 maintenance issues as Admin Associate candidate with 95% timely resolution.”
Why: This quantifies your coordination, aligning with Acumen’s report/follow up needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I liaised with 50 cleaners/security with 90% resolution, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s building management needs.

Interview Example:
“As Associate, I resolved 40 issues quarterly with 92% efficiency, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your coordination with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Maintenance Coordination & Issue Resolution” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to external providers. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 4: Highlight Vendor Tracking with Example

Why It Works: Tracking vendor performance/updates/resolution is key—recruiters prioritize trackers. A specific example of tracking (e.g., “Tracked 50 vendors with 95% performance improvement”) shows tracking.

CV Example:
“Tracked 50 vendors as Front Office candidate with 95% performance improvement.”
Why: This quantifies your tracking, aligning with Acumen’s track needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I updated 30 details with 90% team inform, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s maintain needs.

Interview Example:
“As Front Office, I monitored 40 services quarterly with 92% resolution, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your tracking with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Vendor Tracking & Performance Resolution” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to service issues. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Inventory & Petty Cash with Example

Why It Works: Tracking inventory/replenishment/petty cash is operational—recruiters prioritize trackers. A specific example of tracking (e.g., “Tracked inventory/petty cash with 98% accuracy”) shows tracking.

CV Example:
“Tracked inventory/petty cash as Admin candidate with 98% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your tracking, aligning with Acumen’s track needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I reconciled 50 purchases with 95% control, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s reconcile needs.

Interview Example:
“As Admin, I managed 40 supplies quarterly with 92% replenishment, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your tracking with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Inventory & Petty Cash Tracking” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to office needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 6: Highlight Event Coordination with Example

Why It Works: Coordinating internal events/catering/engagement is valued—recruiters prioritize coordinators. A specific example of coordination (e.g., “Coordinated 50 events with 95% satisfaction”) shows coordination.

CV Example:
“Coordinated 50 internal events as Associate candidate with 95% satisfaction.”
Why: This quantifies your coordination, aligning with Acumen’s assist needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I arranged 30 catering with 90% team engagement, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s coordinating needs.

Interview Example:
“As Associate, I supported 40 activities quarterly with 92% excellence, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your coordination with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Event Coordination & Engagement Support” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to internal events. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Administrative Updates with Example

Why It Works: Supporting notifications/administrative updates is key—recruiters prioritize updaters. A specific example of updates (e.g., “Supported 200 updates with 98% team inform”) shows support.

CV Example:
“Supported 200 administrative updates as Front Office candidate with 98% team inform.”
Why: This quantifies your support, aligning with Acumen’s support needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I notified 150 building info with 95% timeliness, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s internal notifications needs.

Interview Example:
“As Front Office, I communicated 40 updates quarterly with 92% reach, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your support with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Administrative Updates & Notification Support” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to office information. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 8: Highlight Calendar Coordination with Example

Why It Works: Supporting calendar for shared spaces/guests is valued—recruiters prioritize coordinators. A specific example of coordination (e.g., “Coordinated 100 calendars with 98% no conflicts”) shows coordination.

CV Example:
“Coordinated 100 shared calendars as Associate candidate with 98% no conflicts.”
Why: This quantifies your coordination, aligning with Acumen’s support needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I scheduled 50 facilities with 95% usage, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s common-use needs.

Interview Example:
“As Associate, I managed 40 calendars quarterly with 92% efficiency, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your coordination with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Calendar Coordination & Facility Scheduling” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to external guests. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Meeting Preparation with Example

Why It Works: Assisting materials/decks/printing/binding/logistics for meetings is key—recruiters prioritize preparers. A specific example of preparation (e.g., “Prepared materials for 200 meetings with 98% readiness”) shows preparation.

CV Example:
“Prepared materials for 200 meetings as Admin candidate with 98% readiness.”
Why: This quantifies your preparation, aligning with Acumen’s assist needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I printed/bound 150 decks with 95% logistics, preparing me for Acumen’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s preparation needs.

Interview Example:
“As Admin, I supported 40 meetings quarterly with 92% excellence, aligning with Acumen’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your preparation with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Meeting Preparation & Logistics Support” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to internal/external meetings. For interviews, practice a 30-second story.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Impact-Organization Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize associates who convey impact-organization passion and alignment with Acumen’s dignity mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to Acumen’s goals (e.g., positive first impression) makes you memorable.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Service-excellent Front Office Associate candidate with Bachelor’s Business Administration, 98% visitor satisfaction, passionate about Acumen’s dignity-driven impact.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with Acumen’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 95% administrative polish and client mindset, I’m committed to Acumen’s moral imagination operations.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to Acumen’s goals.

Interview Example:
“As Associate, I created 92% positive impressions, ready to be Acumen’s welcoming face for change.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to Acumen’s needs, showing passion and readiness.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your admin experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% created”), and passion for Acumen’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 moral imagination. Follow up via greenhouse.io emphasizing Acumen’s dignity vision.

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