At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director-General with correspondence, meetings, and administrative processes.
- Company: Join a global voluntary organisation focused on climate change and emerging technologies.
- Benefits: Gain real-world experience, professional connections, and a sense of purpose.
- Why this job: Make a difference in climate action while developing valuable skills and relationships.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities.
- Other info: Open to candidates without prior experience; assessments included in selection process.
This is an unpaid volunteering role.
Role Nature: Volunteer
Location: Home-based
With 160 volunteers worldwide, BCI as a voluntary organisation is delighted to recruit new volunteers to fill the role of Personal Assistant to the Director-General.
Responsibilities
- To handle external correspondence for the Director-General;
- To manage and monitor incoming and outgoing email correspondence, responding and redirecting mail items to directorate officers as necessary, ensuring replies are issued within corporate deadlines and to standard;
- To schedule high-level meetings for the Director-General;
- To provide cover to Divisional Secretaries on an ad hoc basis;
- To work with the Senior Administrative Officer to ensure the smooth running of the Director-Generalโs Office;
- To implement and manage new administrative processes where appropriate;
- To undertake factual research as required;
- To support general resource management duties and occasionally help coordinate cross-divisional programs;
- To support the Director-General during conferences and events.
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent English oral communication skills, including the ability to develop effective working relationships, work flexibly across professional and operational boundaries and communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders;
- Excellent English writing;
- Close attention to details;
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance competing work demands;
- Ability to support technology-enabled meetings e.g. video conferencing, Skype, digital conference calls;
- High attention to detail and proven experience in managing sensitive data;
- Conscientious but proactive approach;
- Solution-orientated and confident style.
Relevant Experience
- Proven experience working in a similar role is essential, preferably acquired in a fast-moving growth environment.
- Experience working in a high-pressure environment and delivering to tight deadlines;
- Advanced Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook;
- Some knowledge of topics central to the BCI such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology preferred.
What's in it for the volunteer?
- Your mind will be mentally stimulated, hence providing you with a sense of purpose;
- You will advance and boost your professional career by helping you to make professional connections and giving you real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies;
- Help you develop long-lasting professional relationships with others.
Selection Process
As a voluntary organization, we are pleased to open the door for candidates who may not have the prior experience they need to start, progress, or switch their careers. To recruit the most suitable, talented, or potential new members out of the volume of applications received, it is the BCIโs policy to also consider inexperienced candidates to fill our voluntary unpaid roles as long as they can demonstrate the skills required in the written assessment.
In the selection process, most candidates will be invited to complete the following assessment:
- Section A: Verbal and Numerical Reasoning (20 multiple-choice questions)
- Section B: Situation Judgement Test (20 multiple-choice questions)
- Section C: In-Tray Exercise (An open-ended assessment relevant to the duties of the role)
Candidates who pass all three sections will be invited to attend a phone screening, first interview, and final interview online.
UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Senior Executive Assistants / Personal Assistants in City of London employer: Blockchain & Climate Institute
Contact Detail:
Blockchain & Climate Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice ๐คซ
We think this is how you could land UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Senior Executive Assistants / Personal Assistants in City of London
โจTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the lookout for volunteer opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
โจTip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and its mission, especially around climate change and emerging technologies. Show us that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
โจTip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. Since this role involves a lot of correspondence, make sure you can articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. Maybe even do a mock interview with a friend!
โจTip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itโs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that youโre serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Senior Executive Assistants / Personal Assistants in City of London
Some tips for your application ๐ซก
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires excellent English writing, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and punctuation, and donโt forget to showcase your ability to communicate professionally.
Tailor Your Application: We want to see how you fit into our mission! Make sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Personalise your application to stand out!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key for this role. Double-check your application for any typos or errors before submitting it. A polished application reflects your conscientious approach and professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. Itโs the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting volunteering opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blockchain & Climate Institute
โจKnow Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Personal Assistant. Familiarise yourself with tasks like managing correspondence and scheduling meetings. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
โจShowcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent English communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments. This will highlight your ability to build relationships and manage sensitive information.
โจDemonstrate Organisational Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you manage competing work demands and stay organised. Share specific strategies or tools you use to keep track of tasks and deadlines. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the fast-paced nature of the role.
โจResearch BCI and Its Mission
Take some time to learn about BCI's focus on climate change and emerging technologies. Being knowledgeable about their mission will not only impress the interviewers but also allow you to align your answers with their values and goals during the interview.