I am writing to apply for the Personal Assistant position at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), as advertised. With over 10 years of experience in senior administrative support within Kenya's financial and business sectors, I am eager to bring my expertise in executive coordination, stakeholder engagement, and operational efficiency to support KEMRI's vital research initiatives. My background in managing high-level schedules and confidential communications aligns closely with the demands of assisting research leadership in a dynamic, mission-driven environment like KEMRI.
In my current role as Senior Personal Assistant to the CEO at Kenya Financial Services Ltd in Mombasa since 2020, I have optimized executive calendars using Microsoft Outlook and Google Workspace, reducing meeting overlaps by 40% and ensuring seamless operations. I coordinated board meetings and stakeholder events for up to 50 participants, achieving 100% positive feedback while adhering to Kenyan corporate governance standards—skills directly transferable to organizing research workshops and collaborations at KEMRI. Additionally, I handled confidential correspondence and East African travel arrangements, saving KES 500,000 annually through strategic bookings, and led a team of three junior assistants, boosting office efficiency by 25%. Previously, at Coast Bank Group from 2016 to 2019, I supported the Director of Operations by drafting policy documents, managing client relations, and organizing executive retreats with budgets up to KES 2 million, resulting in 30% cost savings and contributing to a 15% revenue increase in Mombasa County.
Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration from Strathmore University, I possess advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, CRM tools like Salesforce, and virtual platforms such as Zoom and Teams. Fluent in English and Swahili, with strong knowledge of Kenyan business etiquette and regulations, I am committed to maintaining confidentiality and driving productivity in multicultural settings. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to KEMRI's groundbreaking work in medical research and would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills can support your team's success.