Senior Administrative Assistant Vacancy 2026 at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Uganda

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has announced a 2026 recruitment opportunity for the position of Senior Administrative Assistant within its Secretariat. The organisation, established under the National Agricultural Research Act of 2005 (Cap 197), serves as Uganda’s central body for coordinating and guiding publicly funded agricultural research across the country.

Headquartered in Entebbe, NARO operates through a structured system that includes a governing Council, a central Secretariat, and 16 Public Agricultural Research Institutes (PARIs). The institution plays a critical role in strengthening agricultural productivity, advancing scientific innovation, and supporting sustainable development in Uganda’s agricultural sector.

The advertised position of Senior Administrative Assistant is intended to enhance administrative efficiency and provide essential secretarial support within the organisation’s operational framework.

Role Overview and Key Responsibilities

The Senior Administrative Assistant will be responsible for ensuring smooth administrative operations within the assigned department. The role focuses on maintaining an efficient office environment and supporting senior management through structured administrative and clerical functions.

Core responsibilities include:

• Providing comprehensive administrative and secretarial support
• Ensuring effective office coordination and documentation management
• Supporting departmental communication and correspondence
• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems
• Assisting in scheduling and organisational logistics
• Facilitating smooth workflow within the office environment
• Supporting human resource and administrative processes as required

This position is classified under GI-1 (Senior Administrative Assistant Grade II equivalent progression), reporting directly to the Director of Human Resources.

Eligibility Criteria and Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet specific academic and professional qualifications to be considered for the role. The minimum requirements include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management or Secretarial Studies from a recognised institution
  OR
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Arts, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or Human Resource Management, combined with a Diploma in Secretarial Studies

In addition to academic qualifications, candidates must demonstrate relevant professional experience, including:

• At least three (3) years of continuous service at the level of Senior Administrative Assistant G.II
• Experience gained within a reputable organisation
• Strong organisational and administrative competencies
• Proficiency in office management and secretarial duties

The age limit for applicants is not more than 40 years at the time of application.

Application Procedure and Submission Requirements

Interested candidates are required to follow a structured application process as outlined by NARO. Applications must be submitted using the official NARO Application Form 2, which must be completed in triplicate.

Applicants are required to attach the following documents:

• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
• Relevant testimonials and supporting documents

All applications must be addressed and submitted to the Director General, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Entebbe.

Key submission details include:

• Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
• Submission Time: Not later than 5:00 PM
• Submission Method: Physical submission as per official instructions

Late applications or those that do not comply with the stated requirements will not be considered.

Selection Process and Employment Conditions

The recruitment process at NARO is highly competitive and structured to ensure transparency and merit-based selection. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted through official communication channels, including the organisation’s website, email addresses, and telephone contacts provided in applications.

Shortlisted applicants will also be required to present certified copies of their academic qualifications during the selection process.

Key employment conditions include:

• Merit-based selection process
• Strict adherence to application deadlines
• Verification of academic and professional credentials
• Compliance with public service recruitment standards in Uganda

Organisational Mandate and Institutional Role

The National Agricultural Research Organisation is mandated to provide strategic direction for agricultural research in Uganda. Its core mission focuses on improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable natural resource management through scientific innovation.

The organisation coordinates research activities across multiple specialised institutes, including:

• Crop research institutes
• Livestock and fisheries research centres
• Forestry and environmental research bodies
• Zonal agricultural research institutes

Through these structures, NARO ensures that scientific research is translated into practical solutions that benefit farmers, agribusinesses, and national development initiatives.

Working Environment and Institutional Values

NARO operates as a public institution committed to excellence, accountability, and innovation in agricultural research. The organisation emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Employees benefit from a structured working environment that supports:

• Capacity building and professional development
• Collaboration with national and international research partners
• Exposure to agricultural innovation and technology systems
• Contribution to national food security and rural development

The institution also prioritizes transparency in recruitment and encourages qualified Ugandans to apply for available positions based on merit.

Strategic Importance of the Role

The Senior Administrative Assistant position plays a key role in ensuring administrative efficiency within NARO’s Secretariat. By supporting senior management and facilitating daily office operations, the role contributes indirectly to the success of agricultural research programmes across Uganda.

Effective administrative support ensures that research initiatives run smoothly, enabling scientists and technical staff to focus on innovation, experimentation, and field implementation.

Conclusion

The 2026 Senior Administrative Assistant vacancy at the National Agricultural Research Organisation represents an important opportunity for experienced administrative professionals seeking to contribute to Uganda’s agricultural development sector. Through its structured recruitment process and commitment to excellence, NARO continues to strengthen its institutional capacity and support national research priorities.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements and submit complete applications before the official deadline of 29 May 2026 at 5:00 PM.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.