Program Administrative Assistant - Revenue Watch Institute

Deadline to Apply: 10 January 2012

The Revenue Watch Institute (RWI) is a non-profit policy institute and grant-making organization that promotes the transparent, accountable and effective management of oil, gas, and mineral resources for the public good. RWI provides expertise, capacity building and funding to help countries maximize the long-term economic benefit of their natural riches.
The Revenue Watch Institute is the only organization dedicated exclusively to addressing the special problems of oil, gas and mining-dependent countries—countries where poverty, conflict and corruption too often converge. We take a comprehensive approach to improving governance and development along the resource value chain—from the decision to extract, through the organization of production, revenue generation and management, to the expenditure processes. Revenue Watch Institute works in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and Caucasus and Asia/Pacific. Please visit our website for more information: www.revenuewatch.org

Purpose and context of the position:
The Revenue Watch Institute seeks a permanent part-time Program Administrative Assistant to provide administrative and programmatic support to the London office. The Administrative Assistant reports to the Program Manager for Training and Capacity Building. Working hours are 20 per week (there is flexibility over days and hours worked).

Responsibilities:

Direct administrative support

• Support the Director of the London Office with coding and processing expense payments; travel (including trip planning, travel booking and visa applications); meeting planning and preparation (including conference registration and communications, etc.);
• Provide support to all other internal London staff (5-6) with expense payments and travel preparations (including trip planning, travel booking and visa applications);
• Liaise with the OSF-Human Resources team to support recruitment and provide orientation of staff and interns to policies and procedures;
• Support other staff and partners visiting London as requested by the Director of the London office or direct supervisor.

General meeting/office/staff support

• Serve as staff point person for all general administrative and office support issues, including ordering office supplies, handling correspondence, keeping track of RWI contacts, handling issues with space, furniture and equipment, including liaising with office landlord and service providers;
• Setting up for internal meetings, conference calls and videoconferencing;
• Handle logistics of RWI-sponsored external events in London. Conduct research on venues and service companies, submit applications for use of space, draft budgets, negotiate venue and vendor contracts, liaise with management on planning and agenda issues, handle all travel, hotel and other logistical issues related to meetings, take minutes;
• Liaise with the New York office on operational issues.

Program Support
As needed, conduct research on select topics, draft memos and provide support to RWI’s programmatic work;
Other general duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required;
• Experience in a professional administrative capacity;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office package;
• Excellent English-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills; 
• Experience working and interacting with international personnel and cultural sensitivity;
• Additional languages a plus (especially French, Spanish and Arabic);
• Ability to manage effectively multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and prioritize appropriately;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Pleasant and patient demeanor;
• Ability to work both independently and with others;
• Integrity and professional discretion;
• An interest and commitment to international development and RWI’s organizational objectives would be appreciated. 

Location: London
Start date: 1 February 2012
Compensation: £23,000- £25,000 per year pro-rata per annum commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and CV; with ref: ProgAsst/RWI in the subject line to: recruitment-RWI@osf-eu.org by 10 January 2012.

Please note: We regret to inform that only selected candidates for interview will receive notification. The job holder will be seconded to RWI with the host employer being the Open Society Foundation, London.

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundation/RWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.