Executive Assistant

In the fight against climate change, energy efficiency standards and labels (S&L) for new appliances, equipment, and lighting products (like Energy Star in the US) offer enormous carbon reduction potential and are an especially cost-effective policy option for conserving energy.

The Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) was established in 1999 to help S&L policymakers and practitioners foster socio-economic development, improve the environment, stimulate global trade, and alleviate poverty. CLASP organizes teams of local and international experts to provide best practice technical advice on standards and labeling policies (S&L) to governments and organizations working to develop them.

CLASP has been selected by ClimateWorks Foundation to be a Best Practice Network (BPN) for appliance, lighting, and equipment.  As a result of this partnership, CLASP is expanding its staff in key regions (China, India, the EU and Latin America) as well as its global outreach on S&L.

Position Overview: 

We seek a committed, energetic, and professional individual to join this effort.  The Executive Assistant is a key administrative position providing comprehensive support to the Executive Director of this growing, global organization.  The Assistant represents the Executive Director both internally and externally and must have independent judgment and significant initiative across a broad spectrum of activities and situations to plan, prioritize, and organize the intense workload of the CLASP leadership.

The successful candidate will be a diplomatic and proactive administrative professional with excellent research, writing and communication skills. This Assistant will be working in a collegial and fast-paced environment as part of a close-knit, collaborative team. This position requires a self-motivated Assistant capable of detail-oriented independent work, quick thinking, and a high level of professionalism.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct support to the Executive Director: manage schedule and travel coordination and ensure the Executive Director is fully briefed and prepared for all meetings, events, and trips
• Serve as the hub for all communications with the Executive Director: screen, prioritize and direct inquires from colleagues within and outside of CLASP's network; liaise between all office staff and the Executive Director ensuring that high priority correspondence receives proper attention and response
• Plan and manage regular internal briefings among staff and other meetings as appropriate; this includes arranging logistics for travel, materials, space, and technology requirements
• Manage, improve and create, as needed, administrative systems for calendar, contact, and communications; ensure that files, both electronic and paper, are organized and current
• Conduct research and/or prepare materials as needed
• Maintain and manage relationships with a variety of domestic and international partners and contacts
• Proofread documents for spelling, grammar, and layout, making appropriate changes; draft letters, emails, and other written work products as necessary
• Provide grants management support and maintain relationships with grantors as needed

Qualifications:

• 5 plus years of relevant administrative experience, with at least 2 years in an executive support role
• BS or BA degree
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint); experience with database management a plus
• Highly self-motivated, persistent, dependable, and self-sufficient
• Expert at anticipating needs of Executive Director and planning time and materials accordingly
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple and sometimes competing tasks and satisfactorily meet deadlines and desired outcomes
• Past experience working for an organization with an international scope (i.e. experience scheduling in multiple time zones and interacting with international colleagues)
• Ability to quickly and accurately analyze problems and identify appropriate solutions
• Capable of handling complex issues creatively and effectively
• Tact, poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork, humor, and ability to interact with people from all walks of life
• Superb attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage up
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; past experience independently drafting complex correspondence
• Past experience in a fast-paced, dynamic, and demanding start-up environment
• Past experience in a supervisory role a plus
• Past experience with grants administration a plus
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Passion for environmental issues

Compensation: CLASP offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. 

The expected start date for this position is November 2009.  The position will be located in Washington, D.C.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should follow this link to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.  No phone calls or emails please. Only applications received through our online application form will be considered for this position.    

CLASP is an equal opportunity employer.