Administration Officer. Johannesburg. Posting Date: 01/31/2025. Deadline: 02/14/2025
Role Title: Administration Officer
Contract Type: Regular
Reporting To: Director, Programs
Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs
Location
Johannesburg
Team Name: Transformative Critical Mineral Resources in Africa
Transformative Critical Mineral Resources in Africa
This work will focus on supporting equitable and accountable governance and development of green minerals in Africa for a just energy transition through partnering with governments, companies, and impacted communities
Role Purpose
Administration Officers are assigned to Senior Directors, Managing Directors, Directors of Programs and VPs; they take on advanced executive assistant responsibilities to enable leaders to focus on strategic value activities. Examples activities could include logistics support, events management, schedule management, preparing briefing materials, presentations, contracts administration, credit card reporting, and travel arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a wide range of administrative and executive support tasks, including events management and logistics support
Support Senior Directors/Managing Directors and VPs with administrative functions, including coordinating schedules, planning complex stakeholder meetings/events, and researching/arranging logistics
Serve as a critical communications liaison between the Senior Directors/Managing Director/Directors of Programs, VPs, Operations Directors, and the OSF Network as a whole, exercising considerable discretion and working under limited supervision
Generate and prepare a variety of materials in advance of routine and special engagements, preparing briefing materials, meeting agendas and logistics notes, presentations, and reports as needed
Take notes in meetings and supports project management as required
Key internal relationships
VP Programs, Senior/Managing Directors, Executive Assistants, Department Directors, Global Operations, Grants Management
Key external relationships
External organizations and vendors relevant for event management and logistics
The ideal candidate
Multiple years of prior experience in providing executive support services and event planning supporting senior leaders
Proven experience in collaborating, engaging and supporting multi-country stakeholders
Functional Competencies:
Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace
Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collabor
Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to express ideas, request actions, and/or formulate plans or policies
Ability to effectively plan, organize, and prioritize activities to efficiently meet objectives (within a complex and multi-geography environment)
Ability to manage, analyse data and draw insights for managers
Proficiency in office software and technology (e.g., MS Office Suite).
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Professional discretion and judgement in dealing with confidential information
An excellent knowledge of English
Knowledge of other languages (appropriate to the location and/or opportunity focus) would be an asset
Personal Competencies:
Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace
Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity, and integrity
Willingness to adjust working hours to include calls and discussions with colleagues and vendors located in various geographic regions
Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and social justice
Managing Change - Ability and skill to demonstrate a change mindset as well as plan, execute and monitor activities during times of change whilst keeping performance levels up
Able to build consensus with diverse audiences/stakeholders
Possesses cultural sensitivity to work respectfully and effectively in different settings
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
Free, healthy, world-cuisine-style lunches or tokens (where our office does not have the scale for café facilities).
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications, without discrimination based on race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, or any other legally protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates with disabilities. To request adjustments or inquire about our equal opportunity policies, please contact recruitment@opensocietyfoundations.org.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.