Office Assistant

Office Assistant (Open for Local Nationals Only)

CIMMYT · Dhaka, Bangladesh · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-03

Workplace: on_site

Department: Operations Chapter

Description

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self - motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Office Assistant. The successful candidate will support the Business Services Manager in ensuring the high-quality administrative, logistical, clerical, and receptionist support. The incumbent will ensure that the daily operations of the Dhaka office run efficiently, creating a welcoming environment for staff and visitors while facilitating the administrative needs of CIMMYT’s research and project teams.

The position will be based at CIMMYT's Bangladesh Office in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Specific duties:

A. Office and Facility Management

• Oversee the daily operations, maintenance, and security of the CIMMYT Dhaka office premises.
• Manage office leases, utility payments, and relationships with landlords and building management.
• Ensure the office environment is safe, clean, and conducive to work, managing contracts for cleaning, pest control, and general maintenance.
• Manage office supplies, furniture, and equipment inventory, ensuring optimal utilization and timely replenishment.

B. Health, Safety, and Security (HSS)

• Act as the focal point for office Health, Safety, and Security in the absence of a dedicated HSS officer.
• Ensure the office complies with CGIAR minimum security standards (fire safety, first aid kits, emergency evacuation plans).
• Monitor the local security context and liaise with the Country Representative and regional security focal points to update security protocols and warden systems.
• Ensure all staff and visitors are briefed on office safety and emergency evacuation procedures.

C. Finance and Compliance Support

• Manage the office petty cash float, ensuring accurate recording and timely reconciliation in accordance with CIMMYT financial rules.
• Review and verify staff expense claims and travel advances for accuracy and compliance before forwarding to the Finance team.
• Ensure all administrative and procurement files are audit-ready, maintaining a robust filing system (both physical and digital).

D. Event and Meeting Coordination

• Coordinate logistics for national and international workshops, stakeholder meetings, and training events hosted by the Bangladesh office.
• Arrange meeting rooms, catering, audio-visual equipment, and transportation for event participants.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in office management, administration, and operations.
• Proven experience working in an international NGO, UN agency, CGIAR center, or similar international research/development organization.
• Demonstrated experience in managing procurement, fleet/logistics, and facility management.
• Familiarity with donor compliance rules (e.g., USAID, BMGF, FCDO) is highly desirable.

Skills and Knowledge:

• ·Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or similar).

• Fluent in both English and Bengali (written and spoken).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong team management capabilities.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) and Bengali.
• High level of integrity, ethical standards, and attention to detail.

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, with a range of benefits including health insurance.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on 5th November 2026. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment team can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

This position is recruited locally. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the duty station country at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

This position will remain open until filled.

Apply

Apply at CIMMYT

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