Special Research Associate, International Union for the Conservation of Nature – Switzerland

Organization: International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Position Title: Special Research Associate – Junior Professional

Location: Gland, Switzerland

Application Deadline: April 15, 2015

Description: The primary duty of the Special Research Associate is to support the Director General (DG) in her daily duties. The Special Research Associate’s responsibilities will include in a wide variety of tasks, including drafting correspondences, arranging meeting and trip logistics, managing the DG’s schedule, and performing other ad hoc items as needed. The Special Research Associate reports directly to the DG and works closely with the DG’s Office (DGO). This role also involves frequent interaction with Directors, Managers and staff within and across IUCN’s offices and sectors, and requires tact and discretion.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily debriefings with the DG on her work and issues relating to projects/events and solicit feedback; this includes issues pertaining to and raised by the management team and stakeholders.
• Work with DG Office colleagues to manage and prioritize the DG’s workflow (including meetings, letters and email correspondence) and to coordinate engagements.
• Support the Senior Adviser and Special Adviser with: briefing materials and logistics for DG’s internal and external meetings; and background materials and logistics for missions, meetings, and conferences.
• Work with the IUCN Communications team to support the DG on tasks such as review of memos/letters, media related documentations, speeches, briefing packages, social media, etc.
• Work with the IT department to ensure that the DG’s devices (e.g. laptop, iPad, etc) are most up-to-date and functional, in particular prior to travel.
• Work with the other members of the DG Office to ensure highest quality and integrity of documents and communications sent under the DG’s name.
• Support the DG in both internal and external meetings, conferences and other assignments by taking minutes, preparing documents, and organizing follow-up with relevant teams based on outcomes/decisions made in meetings.
• Work with the DG and other IUCN colleagues to manage DG’s travel, including gathering background materials for briefing books and working with the administrative team on travel bookings and logistics. Be prepared to accompany DG in travel as needed.
• In addition to the tasks listed above, the Special Research Associate may also be requested to work on specific tasks including research, statistical and other analytical support, and Human Resources Initiatives/Projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in relevant discipline.
• Proven analytical, conceptual, organization, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
• Up to 2 years experience in a similar function an advantage.
• Trustworthiness, integrity, dedication, perseverance, and “can-do” attitude, and ability to work long hours as required.
• Complete fluency in the English language, including excellent demonstrated English writing skills; additional languages are strong assets but not required.
• Sound understanding of information technology, with experience in applying Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as a minimum skill set. Social media experience is a must, as is a general understanding of IT and troubleshooting, particularly with the iPad.
• Demonstrated record of independent analytical and research support work.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality assurance.

How to Apply: Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply” button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST).

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/