Executive Assistant, to the CEO

London, UK or Geneva, Switzerland

Who We Are

Co-Impact is a global philanthropic collaborative that supports locally-rooted coalitions in the Global South to transform underlying systems and achieve impact at scale, with a core focus on advancing gender equality and women’s leadership. We bring together funders from around the world to invest in initiatives that are working to improve education, health, and economic opportunity for millions of women, men, and children, addressing underlying conditions that perpetuate social inequities so that systems better serve everyone. Building on our experience to date, as well as that of civil society, government, market actors, and philanthropic partners, we are now developing a second fund focused on advancing gender-equitable systems change at scale and women’s leadership globally. For more information, please visit www.co-impact.org and take a look at our Handbook.

Co-Impact currently operates as a fiscally-sponsored project of the New Venture Fund (NVF). Over the next year, Co-Impact will be expanding to build a second fund focused on gender equality and women’s leadership and changing our operating structure so that we spin out from NVF and build an independent institution.

Where You Fit

We are looking for an Executive Assistant to provide direct operational and administrative support to our Founder and CEO, who is based in Geneva, and will work closely with her executive office. The Executive Assistant will report to the Associate Director, Partnerships, and will be responsible for providing the highest quality general administrative support to the CEO and executive office, and to the broader team as required.

The successful candidate must have significant experience managing administrative duties for a senior executive while juggling multiple tasks and will have strong teamwork skills and demonstrate the highest discretion and diplomacy, integrity, and excellent judgment. The successful candidate will demonstrate respect in his or her relationships with colleagues and external partners and will possess excellent skills in communication and cross-cultural collaboration.

The Role

Core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

•       Handle all administrative tasks including calendar management, coordination for meetings and travel arrangements.
•       Maintain complex calendars for the CEO and, to a lesser extent, members of the executive office, including scheduling and confirming meetings, reserving meeting rooms and organizing materials; working in close coordination with other assistants across the team to ensure that all team scheduling is well coordinated.
•       Research and prepare briefing materials in advance of meetings.
•       Take notes on calls and prepare follow-up communications as needed (e.g., drafting emails). Screen correspondence and direct to appropriate team members to facilitate appropriate follow up.
•       Support with logistics for various projects and special events including tracking RSVPs and follow-ups.
•       Track and process business expenses, process payments and invoices.
•       Providing support and assistance in delivering materials for philanthropists and foundations. This includes writing, editing and proof-reading documents such as letters, invitations and program copy, reports, newsletters as well as emails and letters for day-to-day correspondence with philanthropists.
•       Other tasks as required to support the work of the CEO, the executive office, and broader team.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

•       Bachelor’s degree and greater than five years of relevant experience.
•       Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
•       Excellent oral and written English skills; experience working in English strongly preferred.
•       Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and other software tools (project management software, database software, contact management systems); proficiency with Salesforce a plus.
•       Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences.
•       Discretion and ability to handle confidential issues.
•       High level of self-motivation; at ease working independently when necessary.
•       Poised and works well under pressure.
•       Attentive to detail and ability to prioritize and willingness to work simultaneously across a wide range of competing tasks and projects.
•       Professional and diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with donors, external partners and senior management, co-workers, and the general public.
•       Proactive, positive, and can-do attitude as well as flexibility to adapt and change as Co-Impact develops as an organization.
•       Awareness and knowledge of the philanthropy sector preferred.
•       Minimal travel but may include some international travel.

Benefits

This position is full-time. Annual salary will be US $64,000 or local currency equivalent plus generous holiday allowance, sick leave, medical and dental insurance, and other standard benefits generally offered in the country of hire.

Application Details

We encourage you to apply early by submitting application materials here. We will begin reviewing applications starting February 3, 2022, and the position will be closed once we have established a robust shortlist. The application package should include: 1) a one-page cover letter and 2) a one- or two-page resume/CV. In your cover letter, please confirm that you are authorized to work in the UK or Switzerland, as appropriate. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor work visas.

Because we are a small team, we regret that we can only respond to applicants selected for an interview.

New Venture Fund Careers

Co-Impact is a project of the New Venture Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. The New Venture Fund is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. The New Venture Fund's work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

Co-Impact team members hired in the U.S. are employed directly by NVF. Team members hired elsewhere are employed through a Professional Employment Organization (PEO) engaged by NVF.