QUN Programme Assistant, Climate Change and Natural Resources – Geneva, Switzerland
Title: Programme Assistant, Climate Change and Natural Resources
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Hours and Compensation: Full Time, 1,360 Swiss francs per month
Application Deadline: September 29, 2011
Posted on: September 14, 2011
Summary of Position/Organization Overview: The programme assistant (PA) position is a one-year placement that gives a young person the opportunity to live and work in Geneva contributing to the work of the Quaker United Nations Office. QUNO always has at least one PA and Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) (www.quaker.org.uk) funds that position. Other PA positions are offered if specific programme funding is available.
This is an opportunity for a person with an interest in international affairs and in international organisations to experience a range of international work, while working as an assistant to QUNO s programmes, with a particular focus on climate change and natural resources issues.
To apply for a job as a PA you must be eligible to work in the EU or Switzerland and preferably be aged between 21 and 30.
Description/Responsibilities: PA duties are split between helping with the general running of the office and programme specific work. Programme work obviously varies depending on which representative you are working with but you can expect to attend and help to organise meetings, follow UN processes and help with research, amongst other tasks. The general administration of the office involves the PA in a wide variety of different tasks – be prepared to help out with anything and everything, from cooking a lunch for 25 people to creating and coordinating the mailing of Christmas cards!
Qualifications/Skills: These posts are open to Friends or persons in close sympathy with the Religious Society of Friends. Programme assistants are an integral part of the small team at QUNO. A strong interest in international affairs and a commitment to building social justice in the world is essential. Fluency in English with a working knowledge of French is prefered, computer skills and a degree or the equivalent qualification are all advantages. Most important of all though is a willingness to contribute actively to all parts of QUNO’s work including general office, catering and domestic duties. A sense of humour can go a lot further than an academic qualification!
Dates: The next PAs will start in September 2012. The advertisement for the positions starting in September will be online in January-February of that year. Interviews are usually held in March or April, ready for the successful applicant to begin their introduction period in late August of the same year.
Salary & Benefits: QUNO pays a salary of approximately 1,360 Swiss francs per month, in addition to covering the costs of housing, health insurance, public transport in Geneva, and the cost of a return ticket to the appointee’s home base. In addition, QUNO pays the social costs and benefits required under Swiss law. QUNO follows Swiss custom of a 40 hour work week with 27 days holiday per annum, in addition to Geneva public holidays.
How to Apply: Download the application form from the QUN website: http://www.quno.org/getInvolved/getProgramAsst-Geneva.htm
