Senior Assistant, Oceans

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to preserving the natural world and addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Established in 1961, WWF has grown to become a global entity with a presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of thousands of employees. The organization focuses on various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, habitat preservation, and climate change mitigation, working collaboratively with local communities, governments, and businesses to achieve sustainable solutions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Assistant, Oceans position is a critical role within the WWF's Washington, DC office, responsible for a range of administrative duties that are both standard and complex in nature. This role requires a high level of organizational skills and a detailed understanding of the organization's programs and policies. The Senior Assistant will play a vital role in supporting accounting tasks and special projects, ensuring that the department or program operates smoothly. Daily communication with department staff, other departments, and external partners, including donors and government agencies, is essential for coordinating activities and disseminating information effectively. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, contributing to the overall mission of WWF.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: reviewing and preparing documents, composing correspondence, and ensuring the accuracy of complex documents such as reports. The role involves assisting supervisors with budget preparation by developing preliminary data and monitoring expense reports against the budget. The Senior Assistant will also review bills and invoices, prepare check and wire requests, and compile financial reports. Recordkeeping is another key responsibility, requiring the collection and maintenance of logs and records, as well as data validation and problem resolution. The preparation of reports for internal staff and external stakeholders, including members and government staff, is also part of the role. General office duties will include making travel arrangements, coordinating mailings, and organizing meetings and conferences. The Senior Assistant may also oversee part-time and temporary staff, providing orientation and training as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least 5 years of general work experience, with a strong emphasis on administrative assistant or secretarial skills. Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software is essential, along with some knowledge of database packages. The ability to type at least 40 words per minute is required, as well as good organizational and analytical skills for proofreading and editing documents. Effective writing skills are necessary for preparing correspondence, and interpersonal skills are crucial for communicating with staff and visitors. Candidates should demonstrate initiative, the ability to prioritize tasks, and the capability to work independently with minimal supervision. Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite is required, with strong PowerPoint skills being a plus. Experience in calendaring and coordinating complex travel arrangements is also desired.

Educational Background:
While the job posting does not specify a particular educational background, candidates are generally expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional education or certifications in office administration or related fields may be advantageous and could enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in administrative roles. Candidates should have a proven track record of performing administrative tasks effectively and efficiently, demonstrating their ability to handle complex responsibilities and support organizational functions.

Languages:
While the job posting does not explicitly mention language requirements, proficiency in English is mandatory due to the nature of the communication involved in the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with WWF's international operations and partnerships.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Washington, DC, and is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, meaning applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. The salary range for this position is between $27.53 and $34.40 per hour, translating to an annual salary of approximately $50,100 to $62,60

• Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume through the WWF Careers Page, referencing Requisition #2507
• The organization promotes equal employment opportunities and values diversity in its workforce.