CEO Office Project Assistant

Young Professionals Programme (One–year fixed term contract)Starting date: As soon as possibleContract Type: One year contractSalary:                   48,000 CHF per annumLocation:  Geneva, SwitzerlandApplication closing date: Midnight CET, 1 November 2021 ContextAs part of a new initiative to offer young professionals the opportunity to gain valuable work experience to help start their career in a chosen area, BCI has a vacancy for a Project Assistant to support the CEO Office in several projects and routine procedures. We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic individual who is eager to witness the management of a fast–growing international NGO headquartered in Geneva. This will be a position where you will play a key role in supporting significant governance mechanisms of the organisation and gain multi–faceted project management experience. You will support the CEO and several managers leading various aspects of governance projects.The CEO Office Assistant will provide support to deliverables of ongoing projects, help ensure the project is progressing according to plan assisting the CEO Office, Communications and  Membership staff. Under the line management of the CEO Office Manager, the Assistant will provide support to BCI Council Elections, and General Assembly taking place in 2022.This role will also offer plenty of opportunities for personal and career development, gaining insight into the management of an international not–for–profit organisation. The post holder will regularly collaborate with staff and stakeholders in different locations, such as China, India, Pakistan, West Africa, Mozambique, and North America. Additionally, learning will be on offer by interaction with other functions within BCI and by attending regular internal meetings and training sessions.The selected candidate will also have some opportunity to shape the role, with options for research and the ability to support on their interest areas.About BCIThe Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. In under 12 years, the Better Cotton Initiative and its Partners have supported 2.3 million farmers in 23 countries. in adopting more sustainable agricultural practices. Thanks to these efforts, Better Cotton accounts for around 22% of global cotton production.This is an exciting time to join the organisation as we transition to our new ambitious 2030 strategy and increase our profile, impact and reach so we can make Better Cotton a sustainable  mainstream commodity; we want to transform the market and make cotton production better for  the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future.Job Activities BCI Council ElectionsDraft outreach and communications content on elections and respond to member queries on applicationsSupport the BCI Project team in increasing the visibility of Council Elections among members and attracting suitable candidacies both during elections and the subsequent co–optation period.Create social media posts on BCI’s multistakeholder Council and the upcoming elections for linked–in, Instagram and BCI’s website.Help develop a platform for candidates and member interaction on an existing social media platformMonitor and facilitate candidate and member interaction.Develop a strategy to increase voter turnout to Council ElectionsHelp manage the electronic voting platformAssist the project team consisting of the CEO Office Manager, Membership Manager Communications Coordinator and Events Coordinator in the smooth management of the project deliverablesSupport CEO and CEO Office Manager in content development for virtual campaigning periodHelp ensure the Elections process is fair, transparent and according to the rules prescribed by the organisation’s statutes.Support the development of the Council member induction programmeBCI General AssemblyLiaise with staff members and support core Project Team in organising the General AssemblyActively contribute to the project planning of the General Assembly given the continued travel limitations impacting global travel affecting BCI’s members all around the globe.Research on good practice of annual member meetings and propose event design ideas to the project teamAssist with logistics and session detailsSupport to CEO OfficeSupport the CEO and CEO Office Manager in preparation of presentation material for Elections.Support the Governance Improvement Workstream led by CEO OfficeHelp manage the elections calendar, send out invitations, track attendance, communicate meeting agendasAssist meeting logistics, summary reports, minute takingPerform additional activities as assigned by the CEOSkills and KnowledgeWhile we do not expect candidates to have prior work experience for this entry–level role, we would like to see motivation from candidates for learning new things and being ready to take on several project tasks with minimum supervision. We will be looking for the following skills and knowledge in the applications:Skills, Knowledge and ExperienceEssentialUniversity degree, or equivalent higher education qualification, in a relevant field with an interest in sustainabilityInterest in a career in administration/communications in a global NGOFluent English: BCI’s operating language is EnglishGood working knowledge of Microsoft 365 package (Outlook, Word, Excel, Sharepoint)Interest in gaining external communications and social media experienceConfident in communicating with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and culturesWell–organised and happy to provide administrative support to othersComfortable working against deadlinesAbility and motivation to work independently and to take initiativeEnjoys learning, innovating and taking on a challengeDesirableInterest in coordination, event and project managementInterest in and commitment to sustainabilityExisting intern or volunteering experience in the not for profit sectorExperience in managing organisational social media accountsWorking Arrangements The position is full–time (40 hours per week) and will be based in the Geneva office. BCI offers flexible working, with core hours being 10am – 4pm and the option to work from home one day per week.ApplicationsInterested applicants with the required qualifications are asked to send a detailed CV (2 pages maximum) and a motivational letter (1 page maximum), in English, by email with subject: “Application CEO Office Project Assistant ” by Midnight on the 1 November 2021 at the latest. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.We thank all applicants for their interest; however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.BCI is currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits, and candidates need to have a pre–existing right to work in the location where they will be based.BCI is an equal opportunities employer, and is committed to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human and financial resources.