Senior Assistant, Oceans

Job Posting Organization:
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, striving to create a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Assistant position at WWF is a pivotal role that supports the organization's Oceans program from the Washington, DC office. This role encompasses a wide range of administrative responsibilities, including managing complex tasks that require a high level of organization and attention to detail. The Senior Assistant will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the department by utilizing their administrative skills and knowledge of WWF's programs and policies. Daily communication with department staff, other organizational departments, and external partners such as donors and government agencies is a key aspect of this role, facilitating coordination and information dissemination. The position also involves supporting accounting tasks and special projects, making it essential for the Senior Assistant to be proactive and resourceful in their approach to work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Document Review and Preparation: Regularly composing correspondence and complex documents such as reports, ensuring accuracy and correctness. Assisting in the preparation of proposals and contracts.
• Financial Accountability: Supporting the supervisor in budget preparation by developing preliminary data and background information. Monitoring expense reports against the budget and addressing significant variations. Reviewing bills and invoices, preparing check and wire requests, and compiling financial reports.
• Recordkeeping: Collecting and maintaining logs, records, or lists using various software tools. Validating and inputting data, identifying problems, and coordinating with others to resolve issues.
• Report Preparation: Compiling information to prepare reports for internal staff and external stakeholders, including tables, charts, and statistical calculations.
• General Office Duties: Making travel arrangements, coordinating mailings, and managing document production and distribution. Organizing meetings and conferences, including catering and material preparation. Performing miscellaneous office duties such as typing, filing, and sorting mail.
• Team Coordination: Assigning work and coordinating projects for part-time and temporary staff, providing orientation and training as needed.
• Other Duties: Performing additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

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, with some knowledge of database packages preferred. The ability to type at least 40 words per minute is required. Strong organizational and analytical skills are necessary for proofreading and editing documents, along with effective writing abilities for correspondence. Interpersonal skills that demonstrate courtesy, tact, and diplomacy are crucial for effective communication with staff and external parties. Candidates should be able to take initiative, prioritize tasks, and complete work with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, with strong PowerPoint skills considered a plus. Experience in calendaring and coordinating complex travel arrangements is also desired. A commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion within teams is essential, along with alignment with WWF's core values of courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration.

Educational Background:
While the job posting does not specify a particular educational background, candidates are typically 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 position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in administrative roles. Candidates should demonstrate a solid background in administrative support, showcasing their ability to handle complex tasks and manage multiple priorities effectively. Experience in a non-profit or conservation-focused organization may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Languages:
The job posting does not specify mandatory languages; however, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they align with WWF's global 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 #2600
• Due to the high volume of applications, WWF will not respond to inquiries via phone. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.