Executive Assistant to Director of Global Programs, Justice

Executive Assistant to Director of Global Programs, Justice

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your administrative support to top leadership? We’re seeking an executive assistant to the Director of Global Programs, Justice to provide day-to-day support across a variety of administrative and operational areas.

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

Global Programs focuses on justice, equity, and expression to build stronger democracies and protect rights. We design bold, transformational strategies that integrate and upscale work across regions to generate the greatest possible transnational impact. Our deeply collaborative approach emphasizes vigorous debate, thoughtful incubation, piloting, and constant learning, as well as a commitment to drawing on talent, experience, and knowledge from all parts of OSF.

The Justice team is dedicated to securing democratic freedoms, advancing intersectional justice, and ensuring accountability for human rights abuses through grant making, advocacy, and network-building. https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/who-we-are/programs

Job Profile

Global Programs, Justice seeks an Executive Assistant (EA) based in Nairobi or Africa to support the director in daily scheduling and administrative functions. The ideal candidate will have Regional and global knowledge and experience, experience engaging with partners across geographies, building and maintaining collaborative partnerships, and working effectively within a complex global organization, Program based operations, experience with large and mid-sized grantees, monitoring and managing contracts, preparing contract amendments, budget monitoring and modifications, procurement, Writing skills, planning and organizing and reporting.

As the Executive Assistant to the Director of Global Programs, Justice you will:

• Manage all aspects of Director’s schedule
• Liaise on behalf of the director with other Global Programs team, OSF leadership, internal and external constituents
• Manage all administrative needs of Director, including but not limited to:
• Any meeting preparation needed – background research, time management, print requests
• Travel arrangements
• Tracking and submitting Director’s expense report
• Assist with event planning as needed (Open Talks, team meetings, etc.)
• Support the Global Programs team on select cross-programmatic projects (proofreading, invoice processing)
• Attend meetings, take rigorous notes as needed
• Monitor budgets and contracts for vendors and consultants as needed
• Ensure logistical support for transitional activities as needed, especially new compliance
• Assist administrative staff of the initiatives with their events or special projects as capacity permits

What we are looking for:

• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to allpeople; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace.
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and social justice.
• Vendor Management -The ability and skill to manage vendors to ensure quality services and outputs and optimal resource utilization.
• Contract Administration – The ability and skill to administer contracts from beginning to end
• One to three years of administrative experience; experience working in an NGO, foundation, or social enterprise desired;
• Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, multi-task and prioritize with consistent objective to maximize Director’s time;
• Works well under pressure, excellent communication, understands nuance
• Professional writing skills;
• Troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget;
• Ability to oversee processes, systems, and workflows and ensure adherence to procedures and follow-up, and learn new software systems;
• High level of self-motivation and understands the need to consult and/or collaborate with colleagues on more complex or sensitive matters when necessary.

What we offer:

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more.
• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.

See what a day in the life at Open Society is like.

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and a resume; we look forward to learning more about you.

Please note, this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.