Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution established in 1991 to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition to open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives. The organization operates in over 30 countries, employing a diverse workforce that reflects the rich variety of cultures and nationalities in the regions it serves. The EBRD is committed to sustainability, equality, and digital transformation, making it a unique and innovative workplace.

Job Overview:
The Assistant position within the Climate Strategy and Delivery (CSD) team is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the team's activities. The role involves providing comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to senior managers, which includes extensive travel planning, managing expenses, and overseeing diary management for high-level meetings. The Assistant will be expected to interact with various stakeholders across the EBRD, including Managing Directors and external clients, ensuring that all business activities are executed efficiently. The successful candidate will play a key role in organizing significant events, such as the annual Climate Change Conference (COP), and will be responsible for coordinating logistics and travel arrangements for the EBRD Delegation. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of administrative and secretarial tasks, including but not limited to: managing and coordinating travel arrangements for the CSD Group, ensuring compliance with EBRD policy; handling all secretarial duties for senior managers, including diary management and meeting coordination; drafting and proofreading correspondence; maintaining comprehensive filing systems for easy document retrieval; providing secretarial cover during absences; and conducting ad-hoc tasks as assigned by the Line Manager. Additionally, the Assistant will play a key role in organizing events, ensuring that all logistical arrangements are executed flawlessly, and assisting in team-building activities to foster a collaborative work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational skills, a proactive and flexible attitude, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Essential qualifications include a proven track record in administrative roles, experience with SAP for tasks such as raising purchase orders and preparing budget reports, and excellent communication skills in English. Attention to detail, the ability to handle confidential information discreetly, and a self-motivated approach to work are also critical. Familiarity with the EBRD's procedures and a good level of numeracy are advantageous.

Educational Background:
A high school education is required for this position. While a recognized secretarial qualification is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills in English, and knowledge of additional languages such as Russian, German, French, or Arabic is considered a plus.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have relevant administrative experience, particularly in a fast-paced environment. A strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients is essential. Experience in managing multiple tasks and working under pressure is also important, as is the ability to prioritize effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in challenging situations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of another language, such as Russian, German, French, or Arabic, is advantageous and would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract lasting 12 months. The EBRD promotes a flexible working environment, expecting employees to work in the office 50% of the 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.