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- Tasks: Assist in administrative tasks and support climate change programmes.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth, a global association of 56 countries focused on sustainable development.
- Benefits: Gain experience in international policy and potential for overseas travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Three years of admin experience and familiarity with financial procedures required.
- Other info: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country with the right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a Programme Assistant to join the Climate Change section within our Climate Change and Ocean Directorate supporting the operations. The Climate Change Section focuses on strengthening the resilience of Commonwealth countries to the negative impacts of climate change as well as maximizing opportunities presented by a changing climate. The Section facilitates human and institutional capacity development of member countries to access public and private climate funding, supporting adaptation to climate impacts and contributing to global climate mitigation efforts. It also involves influencing international policies to be more responsive to the development needs of vulnerable countries.
The post holder will be responsible for providing administrative and operational assistance to ensure the smooth running of the Climate Change Section and programmes. The role may require occasional overseas travel, and the post holder must be prepared for this.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Budget management: Processing invoices and payments, and following up on transactions as necessary.
- Support with recruitment and onboarding: Assisting with processes for Commonwealth National and Regional Climate Finance Advisers as per the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) Operational Manual.
- Coordination: Assisting with divisional projects, including meetings and events.
- Documents management: Acting as the Documents Officer for major meetings, preparing and dispatching documents for programmes in London and overseas.
To be considered, candidates should have at least three years of experience in administrative duties, familiarity with financial procedures, and preferably experience working with governments or international organizations. A relevant qualification in administration, event management, or similar is also required.
Applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country with the right to work and reside in the UK. Please submit a CV and cover letter, with the cover letter addressing key criteria and providing clear examples.
Programme Assistant - Climate Change employer: Commonwealth Secretariat
Contact Detail:
Commonwealth Secretariat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Assistant - Climate Change
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Commonwealth's climate change initiatives and policies. Understanding their approach will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the climate change sector, especially those who have experience working with international organisations. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your administrative experience in detail, particularly any work related to budget management or event coordination. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the key challenges faced by Commonwealth countries regarding climate change. Being able to articulate these challenges and how the role of Programme Assistant can contribute to solutions will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Assistant - Climate Change
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Programme Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned, such as budget management and document handling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should directly address the key criteria outlined in the job description. Use clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your administrative skills, familiarity with financial procedures, and any relevant experience with governments or international organisations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your three years of administrative experience and any qualifications related to administration or event management. Be specific about your roles and achievements in previous positions, especially those that relate to climate change or international development.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Programme Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commonwealth Secretariat
✨Know Your Climate Change Facts
Make sure you brush up on current climate change issues, especially those affecting Commonwealth countries. Being able to discuss recent developments or policies will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your administrative experience in detail, particularly any work you've done with governments or international organisations. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves budget management and coordination of projects, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past. This could include handling invoices, organising events, or managing documents.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the Climate Change Section's initiatives or the team's goals. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
