Project Assistant

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) at IDS, brings together professionals in project management, research administration and finance, to collaborate on development of proposals, project plans, strategies and budgets. The PMU now have an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to begin their career journey in project administration and support.

The Project Assistant role will sit within the PMU and work within a helpdesk function, providing administrative support to both projects and research clusters. Applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, comfortable managing multiple tasks and open to acquiring news skills.

Main Duties and Responsibilities.

General administration
•Supporting the daily operations of the PMU including maintaining online filing systems, diaries, mailing lists and contacts database, taking telephone messages and arranging appointments.
•Cluster administration, including booking cluster meetings, arranging cluster retreats, and taking minutes of meetings
•Assisting PMU colleagues and the Heads of PM with general administrative duties
•Providing general administrative duties including word processing, and collating and preparing documents in accordance to IDS house style guidelines
•Working with colleagues to respond to general information requests and to disseminate information through e-mail, mail, publications and web pages.
•Providing general administration support for proposal development where requested
•Making travel arrangements, hotel bookings, enquiring about visas etc.
•Participating in PMU meetings and supporting the organisation of workshops and seminars and other team events, in close liaison with PMU colleagues.
•Supporting the Project Support Officer with updating cluster internet and intranet web content as required, and responding to internal and external requests.
•Processing invoices and expense claims
•Dealing with correspondence and ensuring regular liaison with other team members and external contacts, for example inviting people to events and keeping them up to date with event logistics.
•Providing assistance to visitors and staff.