The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is inviting applications for the position of Administrative Assistant within its Fossil Economy Program. The role supports leadership operations and contributes to advancing legal advocacy on environmental protection, human rights, and climate justice.

The position is available either remotely (within compatible time zones) or at the organization’s office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Application Deadline: 30 March 2026

About the Organization

Founded in 1989, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) works globally to use legal frameworks to protect the environment, promote human rights, and support a sustainable and equitable society.

CIEL’s mission focuses on ensuring that international law reflects the deep interconnection between human well-being and the health of the planet. Its teams of legal experts, researchers, and advocates collaborate worldwide to address major environmental challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, toxic pollution, and environmental justice.

Position Overview

The Administrative Assistant plays a critical role in supporting the Program Director of the Fossil Economy Program, helping ensure the program operates efficiently and effectively.

This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the capacity to handle confidential information responsibly. The assistant will have access to the Program Director’s communications and will help coordinate activities, manage schedules, and support internal collaboration.

Contract Duration: 2 years (with possible extension based on funding)
Salary Range: USD $61,000 – $76,000 per year
Location Adjustment: 12.5% locality increase for employees based in Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

Support to the Program Director

Manage and prioritize communications across email, Slack, Asana, and other platforms.
Maintain the Program Director’s task list and track deadlines.
Manage monthly timesheets and expense receipts.
Conduct background research to assist in meeting preparation and decision-making.
Anticipate logistical challenges and provide proactive solutions.

Scheduling and Event Coordination

Manage complex calendars and coordinate meetings across international time zones.
Arrange travel logistics including visas, flights, and transfers.
Organize meetings and events with staff, partners, journalists, and funders.
Coordinate meeting logistics such as invitations, documentation, and conferencing tools.

Team Support and Project Coordination

Assist with onboarding new program staff.
Support annual planning and internal coordination across teams.
Track program budgets and grant deliverables.
Assist with project management systems and digital workflow tools.
Coordinate logistics for virtual and in-person retreats, conferences, and team meetings.

Administrative Duties

Maintain digital filing systems and documentation.
Draft and edit internal communications and reports.
Take meeting notes and provide summaries.
Ensure strict confidentiality across all organizational matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

At least three years of administrative experience supporting director-level leadership.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience maintaining confidential information.
Ability to learn and use multiple digital collaboration tools.
Typing speed of at least 80 words per minute for real-time note-taking.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

The following skills and experience are considered an advantage:

Familiarity with project management tools such as Asana and financial systems like Intacct.
Language proficiency in French or Spanish, with German as an additional bonus.
Interest in topics related to:
- Climate and energy
- Biodiversity protection
- Toxic pollution
- Environmental justice and human rights

Core Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following professional attributes:

Action-oriented: Proactive and solution-focused approach to challenges.
Adaptability: Ability to quickly learn and adjust to new tasks or systems.
Effective communication: Clear, concise, and audience-aware messaging.
Collaboration: Strong ability to work with teams across cultures and disciplines.
Resourcefulness: Capacity to solve problems creatively with limited resources.

Work Location and Conditions

The role can be based in one of the following arrangements:

Geneva office: Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Switzerland (EU/EFTA citizenship).
Remote work: Applicants must have their own legal work authorization and be able to work within African or European time zones.

CIEL employees collaborate across global offices in Washington, D.C. and Geneva, requiring some working hour overlap.

Core meeting hours generally occur between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM CET.

Remote workers will receive:

$750 one-time home office stipend
$250 annual workspace maintenance allowance

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials:

Cover letter
Resume
Responses to two short application questions (maximum 250 words each)
A file demonstrating project management or task tracking skills

Applicants will also be asked to complete an anonymous demographic survey used solely to assess diversity in recruitment efforts.

Note:
CIEL does not sponsor work visas, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Center for International Environmental Law is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.