Job Title: Executive Assistant – Research, PR, & Projects
Organisation: Clarke International University (CIU)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
Clarke International University (CIU) [formerly, International Health Sciences University (IHSU)] is one of the leading Private Universities in Uganda, established in 2005 by Dr. Ian Clarke with an aim of improving the training of Human Resources for Health. The University currently has 4 faculties i.e., Institute of Public Health & Management, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the School of Business and Applied Technology that offer a wide range of Health and Business / Applied technology related courses. Its vision is – “A values-based university that inspires leadership, critical thinking, innovation, and outstanding academic training that transforms communities”, and a mission of preparing students for global leadership, and to be catalysts for transformation.
Job Summary: The Executive Assistant – Research, PR, & Projects supports the Vice Chancellor (VC) in executing strategic, academic, administrative, and external engagement priorities that drive the growth and development of Clarke International University (CIU). This role requires a dynamic, highly organized, and results-driven professional with exceptional skills in research, proposal writing, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and strategic project management.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Research & Proposal Writing
- Conduct background research for speeches, reports, and institutional documents.
- Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications to support university initiatives.
- Draft and edit reports, white papers, and presentations to support the VC’s advocacy for university growth.
- Collaborate with academic, research, and administrative units to gather data and evidence for research-driven initiatives.
- Support any other writing initiatives undertaken by the VC.
Resource Mobilization & Fundraising
- Identify funding opportunities from donors, government agencies, and private sector partners.
- Support in drafting grant applications, sponsorship proposals, and partnership agreements (MOUs)
- Coordinate fundraising efforts, donor reporting, and relationship management with funding organizations.
- Work with the university’s finance and grants administration & management, and development teams to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Project Management
- Coordinate various events/functions of the VC’s Office including but not limited to: Charity and Community Projects, the LIT series, Rose’s Journey Scholarship Program, Speaking Engagements, Public Lectures, and Collaborating Partner Visits.
- Support the VC in planning, coordinating, and monitoring key institutional projects and university key performance indicators (including adherence to strategic plans).
- Develop and track project timelines, budgets, and deliverables (including budget frameworks and financial reports) ensuring effective implementation.
- Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment with university goals.
- Prepare progress reports and ensure timely completion of project objectives.
Partner & Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Serve as a liaison between the VC’s office and key internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, boards on which the VC serves, and industry partners.
- Foster strong relationships with strategic partners to enhance collaboration and institutional growth through regular communication and updates.
- Support in planning and coordinating high-level meetings, networking events, symposiums, and partnership engagements.
- Maintain an updated (automated) database of key contacts and partnerships for strategic follow-up.
- Engage in networking events, and suggest new partnerships as needed.
Brand Management & Institutional Visibility
- Support the VC in strengthening Clarke International University’s brand positioning and visibility.
- Assist in developing and executing strategic communication and branding initiatives to enhance the university’s reputation.
- Work closely with the university’s Business Development, Marketing, and Communications team to ensure that branding efforts align with institutional goals.
- Coordinate public relations activities, social media engagement, seminars, and thought leadership opportunities for the VC.
- Draft key messaging for speeches, media engagements, and stakeholder communications.
Initiative-Taking & Strategic Advisory
- Proactively anticipate the VC’s needs and recommend solutions to operational challenges.
- Conduct research and provide briefings on strategic initiatives, policy trends and higher education developments.
- Assist in decision-making by gathering and analyzing relevant data and reports.
- Assist in tracking timelines for all strategic initiatives
- Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance efficiency in the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
Other Administrative Functions
- Participate in other related administrative tasks including
- Review of departmental strategies, policies, and reports.
- Curriculum reviews
- University events
- Student Recruitment
- Professional Development & Continuous Learning
- Participation in training, workshops, and certifications
- Minimum of 2 professional development courses completed annually
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, International Relations, or a related field, with at least 2 years’ experience, and or A Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years’ experience in a similar or related role.
- Experience in executive support, project management, brand management, or a similar role in academia, corporate, or NGO sectors.
- Proven experience in research, grant writing, and proposal development.
- Strong background in stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and resource mobilization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multiple deadlines with minimal supervision.
- High level of discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take the initiative in decision-making.
Key Competencies & Skills:
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate and proactively address challenges.
- Strong research, analytical, and proposal writing abilities.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), project management tools, and CRM software.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Relationship management and diplomacy
- Branding and communication expertise
How to Apply:
Applications should be sent to;
The Human Resources & Administration Manager;
Clarke International University Email: [email protected]
Or hand delivered to the University Reception at Clarke International University in Bukasa- Muyenga, C/o: the Human Resources & Administration Manager.
Deadline: 30th July 2025
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Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 24