Assistant to the Director

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution that was established in 199

• Its mission is to promote the transition to open market-oriented economies and to foster private and entrepreneurial initiative in the countries where it operates. The EBRD is headquartered in London and has a diverse workforce of over 2,000 employees from various nationalities. The bank operates in more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on projects that support sustainable development and economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Assistant to the Director plays a crucial role in providing high-quality secretarial and administrative support to the Director and the wider team. This position involves managing travel arrangements, preparing documents for projects, and ensuring smooth communication within the office. The Assistant is expected to maintain a professional front of house service, manage diaries, and assist in organizing meetings and conferences. The role requires a proactive approach to work, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently. The Assistant will also be involved in project preparation and monitoring, ensuring that all necessary documentation is up-to-date and accessible. This position is vital for the effective functioning of the office and requires a candidate who can work well under pressure and maintain a positive attitude in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: screening telephone calls and taking messages, distributing mail, managing diaries for the Bankers, proofreading and drafting business correspondence, organizing conference calls and meetings, making travel arrangements including visa applications, providing administrative support in project preparation and monitoring, maintaining filing systems for easy retrieval of information, updating project databases, assisting in the organization of workshops and seminars, and covering the reception area when required. Additional responsibilities may include coordinating petty cash payments and liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding visa and registration issues. The Assistant must be adaptable and willing to take on ad-hoc duties as needed to support the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess higher education qualifications and demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in English. A good command of local languages or dialects is considered an advantage. Essential qualifications include prior secretarial and administrative experience, strong organizational skills, and a proactive and flexible attitude towards work. The ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and maintain a pleasant telephone manner is crucial. Attention to detail, the ability to cope under pressure, and the capacity to build effective working relationships in a multicultural environment are also required. Candidates should be conscientious, reliable, and possess a professional demeanor, with a strong team spirit and the ability to handle multiple assignments efficiently.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have completed higher education, which may include degrees or certifications relevant to administrative support or business management. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in communication and organizational skills, which are essential for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in secretarial and administrative roles, demonstrating a proven track record of providing high-quality support in a professional environment. Experience in managing complex schedules, organizing meetings, and handling confidential information is essential. The ideal candidate will have a background that showcases their ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic setting, with a focus on delivering results and supporting team objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Proficiency in local languages or dialects is considered beneficial and may enhance the candidate's ability to interact with clients and colleagues effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract role with a contract length that is not specified. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to work in the office 50% of their time. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. Due to the high volume of applications, the EBRD may not provide detailed feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.