Personal Assistant (PA)

General Information

The Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD) is a non-profit, non-governmental umbrella association that represents the interests of persons with disabilities in Ethiopia. Established in December 1996 and re-registered as a consortium in August 2019, FEAPD serves as a common voice for its 38 member organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). The organization's mission is to promote the overall participation of persons with disabilities in society through advocacy, inclusion, capacity building, and partnership formation. FEAPD works towards creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are effectively included on an equal basis with others.

Line-manager: Program Officer and Disability Inclusion Advisor

Funding body: MasterCard Foundation through light for the world

Base: Addis Ababa with frequent field trip

Employment Type: Contract, based on the availability of fund and depending on the need of a personal assistant within the project

The Personal Assistant (PA) will be line-managed by the Program Officer, who is in turn managed by the disability inclusion advisor and will report to both the Program Officer and disability inclusion advisor based in Addis Ababa. 

Mission

The Personal Assistant (PA) is working under the direct supervision of the program officer and Disability Inclusion Advisor and will be based in Addis Ababa. The PA provide comprehensive support to a person who is blind in a professional work environment. The Personal Assistant will play a crucial role in assisting the program officer work-related tasks, enabling her to navigate her professional responsibilities with efficiency and effectiveness. The PA will possess strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

Program Implementation and management support

• Provide assistance in managing the program officer's daily work tasks, including organizing schedules, prioritizing activities, and managing deadlines.

• Assist with creating and maintaining documents, presentations, and other work-related materials in accessible formats.

• Collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders on behalf of the individual, facilitating effective communication and coordination.

• Support the individual in accessing technology and assistive devices specific to their work tasks, such as screen readers, Braille displays, and speech recognition software.

• Assist with using specialized software or tools related to the individual's professional responsibilities, providing technical support and troubleshooting as needed.

• Accompany the individual to meetings, conferences, and other work-related events, providing sighted assistance, note-taking, and logistical support.

• Assist with researching and gathering information for projects, presentations, and reports, ensuring accuracy and relevance of the information provided.

• Collaborate with the program officer and her team to develop strategies and accommodations that enhance her productivity, efficiency, and overall work experience.

• Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of the program officer, adhering to professional ethics and maintaining the security of sensitive information.

• Other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the program officer

• Support FEAPD team and perform other duties as assigned

Proper Documenting and record keeping

• Ensure proper documentation of materials who are needed by the Program Assistant and efficient use of program’s resources.

• Prepare and submit monthly time sheet.

Maintain a high quality of work

• Develop and maintain a good understanding of specialized terminology, concepts, or jargon in relevant fields 
• Collaborate with colleagues, clients, and other professionals to ensure effective communication and provide necessary support to the program officer.

Responsible for implementing the safeguarding policies at program level

• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics, ensuring the privacy and security of all information gathered on behalf of the program officer.

• Ensures that the local partners are aware of the safeguarding policies and facilitate trainings to build their capacity in this regard

• Ensure that the safeguarding policies are implemented at all levels in the program site 

• Ensure that program participants are aware of these policies and promote to report any concern regarding child protection or PSEA 

• Monitor and document the progress of child protection and PSEA activities.

• Report immediately any concern, incident to the line manager/ disability inclusion advisor concerning child protection and PSEA.

Relationship management

• Represent We Can Work Program/FEAPD on the work-related engagement with government partners and OPDs in the course program implementation under the supervision of the program officer/ Disability Inclusion Advisor.

• Maintain conducive working relationships with the program officer, staff members, partners, program participants and other stakeholders.

• Set-up a proper communication system with the program officer

Education & Qualification

• Minimum BA Degree in any fields and have disability related knowledge.  

Professional Experience

• High level of exposure to barriers that persons with disabilities face and practical solutions to overcome those barriers, either through lived experience or through previous work experience 
• Show great initiative and be able to work well in a team and independently
• Demonstrated experience working as a personal assistant or in a similar role, preferably in a professional work environment.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support and empower individuals who are blind in her/his professional pursuits.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Familiarity with accessibility principles and the ability to create an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion.
• Respect for confidentiality and the ability to handle sensitive information with utmost discretion.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities effectively. 
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and proactively address challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and taking notes.
• High degree of confidentiality.
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel and Power Point).
• Diligence and attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Proficiency in using assistive technologies and adaptive techniques used by individuals who are blind in a professional setting.
• Knowledge of local languages and command of English is an asset.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants need to submit motivation letter & CV thorough the following email address hr@feapd.org until May 22, 2024. Please make sure you mention the vacancy position on the subject line.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview and exam. 

We strongly encourage qualified female applicants to apply!