UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Senior Executive Assistants / Personal Assistants

Role Title: Senior Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant
Role Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Number of Positions: 5
Location: Home-based / Remote
Reporting To: Director-General / Senior Leadership

THIS IS AN UNPAID VOLUNTEER ROLE.

About DTID

DTID is an international, volunteer-led think tank advancing the responsible application of emerging technologies, data-driven solutions and innovation in addressing climate change, sustainability and wider global development challenges.

We bring together professionals, researchers, technology specialists and policymakers to generate practical research, develop innovative solutions, strengthen partnerships and support informed decision-making at the intersection of technology, climate and sustainable development.

The Role

DTID is seeking highly organised, proactive and professional Senior Executive Assistants / Personal Assistants to provide high-level administrative and executive support to the Director-General and other senior leaders within the organisation.

The successful candidates will play an important role in ensuring the effective coordination of executive activities, correspondence, meetings, schedules and administrative processes.

This role requires excellent judgement, discretion, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, international and fully remote environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant will:

• Manage external and internal correspondence on behalf of the Director-General or assigned senior leader.
• Monitor incoming and outgoing email correspondence and ensure appropriate follow-up within agreed timelines.
• Redirect correspondence to relevant Directorate or Divisional officers where necessary.
• Coordinate and schedule senior-level meetings, appointments and engagements.
• Maintain and manage executive calendars and meeting schedules.
• Prepare meeting materials, agendas, briefing notes and supporting documentation where required.
• Track actions and follow-up items arising from executive meetings.
• Provide administrative support to the Director-General’s Office and senior leadership.
• Work collaboratively with Executive Assistants, Divisional Secretaries and administrative colleagues across DTID.
• Provide cover for other executive or administrative support functions when required.
• Support the implementation and improvement of administrative systems, procedures and processes.
• Conduct factual research and prepare summaries or briefing information when required.
• Support resource-management and cross-divisional coordination activities.
• Assist with the coordination of conferences, workshops, meetings and organisational events.
• Support senior leaders during external engagements and events.
• Maintain accurate records and handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
• Undertake other reasonable administrative and executive-support responsibilities as required.

Skills and Abilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Excellent professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• A proactive, conscientious and solutions-focused approach to work.
• Strong judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote and internationally distributed environment.
• Confidence in communicating with senior executives and external stakeholders.
• Ability to organise and support virtual meetings and technology-enabled events.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond calmly and professionally to changing priorities.
• Ability to follow through on actions and ensure that tasks are completed within agreed timelines.
• High standards of professionalism, reliability and accountability.

General and Specialist Knowledge

Candidates should have good working knowledge of:

• Microsoft Word.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Microsoft Outlook.
• Online meeting and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or similar tools.
• Calendar and diary-management systems.
• Email and document-management systems.
• General administrative and office-management procedures.

Knowledge of digital collaboration, task-management, project-management or recruitment platforms would be advantageous.

Some knowledge or interest in DTID's areas of work, including climate change, sustainability, international development and emerging technologies, would also be desirable.

Education and Training

Candidates should preferably possess:

• A Bachelor's degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Business Administration, Management, Office Administration, Human Resources, Communications, International Relations or another relevant field.

Equivalent professional or practical experience may also be considered.

• Professional proficiency in English.

Knowledge of an additional international language would be advantageous.

What Difference Will You Make?

Effective executive support is essential to ensuring that senior leadership can focus on strategic priorities, organisational development and DTID's wider mission.

As a Senior Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant, you will contribute directly to the effective functioning of DTID's senior leadership by strengthening coordination, communication, organisation and follow-up.

You will help ensure that executive priorities are effectively managed, meetings and engagements are properly coordinated, information is appropriately handled and important actions do not fall through the gaps.

Benefits

What Will You Gain from Volunteering with DTID?

Although this position is unpaid, volunteering with DTID provides opportunities to:

• Gain practical experience supporting senior international leaders.
• Strengthen executive administration, coordination and organisational-management skills.
• Develop experience working within an international and multidisciplinary organisation.
• Build professional networks with colleagues and stakeholders from different countries and sectors.
• Strengthen communication, organisation, stakeholder-management and problem-solving skills.
• Gain exposure to climate, sustainability, emerging technologies and international development issues.
• Participate in organisational initiatives, meetings, conferences and events where appropriate.
• Develop long-term professional relationships and international experience.
• Build experience working within a fully remote and globally distributed team.
• Contribute directly to DTID's mission and institutional development.

Selection Process

DTID is committed to identifying talented individuals with both demonstrated expertise and strong potential.

As a volunteer-led organisation, DTID recognises that candidates may have acquired their skills through different professional, academic or practical pathways. Applications may therefore be considered on the basis of demonstrated capability, relevant experience, transferable skills and potential.

The selection process will normally include:

1. Application screening
2. Written or technical assessment
3. Interview and/or technical discussion for shortlisted candidates
4. Final selection and onboarding

Candidates who successfully complete the written assessment will be invited to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Important Notice

This is an unpaid volunteer position.