Job Posting: Special Assistant to the Chief Executive, Johannesburg South Africa

See the original posting here.

ActionAid International. Johannesburg, South Africa.
Closing date: November 9, 2010.

Description:

International Terms and Conditions of Service apply, no Expatriate benefits will be applicable. This is a three year (renewable) position.
Reporting to the Chief Executive (CE) of ActionAid International, this is an excellent career opportunity for a multi-talented individual to provide coordination and administrative support to the CE, managing a variety of responsibilities of the CE’s office, including:

• Special projects that support the advancement of the organization’s strategic priorities
• External and Media Relations
• Governance Processes

The candidate will be joining ActionAId at an exciting moment as we develop our next 6 year International Strategic Plan.

Key Responsibility Areas include:

1. Assist the CE with special international projects, research and written analyses and recommendations on strategy, policy and operations;
2. Coordinate follow up of specific organizational priorities and particular decisions agreed by the senior leadership team;
3. Provide/organize background research and briefings (and logistical information) to prepare the CE for external meetings, country visits, public events and media interviews;
4. Collaborate with staff members and teams throughout the international federation as needed to serve as an informed liaison to the CE;
5. Prepare content and materials for International Board Meetings, Committee Meetings and Assemblies on AAI’s activities, performance and impact;
6. Attend senior leadership and international board meetings (in international locations) and produce the communiqué and/or minutes
7. Oversee the coordination of travel arrangements for the CE and International Board members;
8. Maintain the CE’s calendar and schedule/arrange meetings and respond to inquiries from external and internal stakeholders;
9. Manage the Directorate’s budget

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will leverage a broad range of skills and a high degree of professionalism in managing a variety of responsibilities. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented person with excellent interpersonal, organisational, writing and analytical skills that truly thrives in a fast-paced environment. This will be coupled with:

• A Bachelor’s Degree
• 6+ years Project Management experience
• Being exceptionally organized, detailed and flexible
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong ability to inform and engage through written communication
• Experience working in an international organization with multiple nationalities and diversities
• Strong initiative and ability to multitask, anticipate and prioritise without direct supervision
• The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with total discretion
• A professional and positive manner and grace under pressure
• A high capacity for work output in order to meet tight deadlines and multiple priorities
• Excellent problem-solving skills and resourcefulness
• Excellent computer skills, particularly with the Microsoft Windows suite of products
• Energetic, enthusiastic and interested in learning within a political and changing work environment
• Commitment to ActionAid’s mission and values, particularly women’s rights

Qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Application forms can be obtained from the ActionAid International Website.
Applications should be sent with your CV, cover letter and two names of your nominated referees to: ceassist.jhb@actionaid.org by no later than the 9th of November 2010.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive feedback on your application within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Website: http://www.actionaid.org