Job Posting: Executive Assistant

Position TitleExecutive Assistant
Reports ToExecutive Director
LocationGeneva, Switzerland

About the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund

The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) supports the disability rights movement around the world by resourcing organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to advocate for equal rights and full participation in society. The Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF) is DRF’s sister organization, supporting advocacy for legislative change. DRF/DRAF currently work across Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean. The Funds are grounded in a participatory and gender transformative approach and follow grantmaking, technical assistance, and advocacy strategies to support OPDs to advance the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), including in implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Disability Summit commitments, and other key international frameworks.  

At DRF/DRAF, we believe our people are what make us great. Reflecting our values and participatory approach, persons with disabilities are leaders and decision makers at all levels of our organization – including our staff, Board, and Grantmaking Committee. We value teamwork and a supportive work environment. Our goal is to find individuals who are good at what they do and passionate about our mission.  

Position Summary

DRF/DRAF are in a period of significant organizational growth during which we are expanding our overall grantmaking, bolstering our technical assistance, and pursuing new opportunities to advance advocacy for disability rights. To help facilitate this work, we are seeking a highly organized Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support our new Executive Director (ED). This dynamic new role requires exemplary organizational, communication, and prioritization skills and the ability to work independently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work directly with the ED to support all aspects of her work.
  • Maintain the ED’s calendar, including scheduling meetings and appointments, speaking engagements, and domestic and international travel.
  • Determine priority of matters for the ED’s attention, redirecting to other DRF/DRAF staff as appropriate.
  • Maintain daily operations in the Geneva office, including inventory management, liaising with facilities management, and file organization.
  • Draft, review, and send communications on behalf of the ED, including emails and social media posts.
  • Organize and prepare for meetings, including virtual and in-person logistics and document management.
  • Attend meetings to act as rapporteur.

Knowledge, Skills, and Capabilities

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional organizational skills and will be a detail-oriented self-starter. They will also excel at problem solving and exercising independent judgement.

  • Previous experience in an executive or administrative assistant role, including extensive knowledge of office administration and other support procedures.
  • Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
  • Exceptional time-management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
  • Strong understanding of MS Office suite, skype, zoom, and other technology applications; experience with accessible technology is an added bonus!
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Commitment to the human rights of persons with disabilities and our mission, with advanced understanding of marginalized and intersectional identities.
  • Skilled in working across cultures and geographies, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and across countries working in an e-office environment.
  • Fluency in English and French; other languages are a bonus.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position. DRF offers generous time off policies and a commitment to professional development and growth.

Location

DRF operates primarily as an e-office with offices in Boston, MA USA; Geneva Switzerland; and Kampala, Uganda. This role will be based in our Geneva, Switzerland office. Domestic and international travel may be occasionally required.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Executive Director, at jobs@disabilityrightsfund.org (please, no phone calls) with the subject line “Executive Assistant Application”. Due to the volume of applications we typically receive, we will only reply if we are pursuing your candidacy.

The Disability Rights Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to build a diverse team. Applicants shall not be discriminated against on any basis. Individuals from historically marginalized identities including Black, Indigenous, people of color, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

DEADLINE

The application deadline is 31 August 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Click here to download the Executive Assistant job description in Word.