Executive Assistant to the Director General
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), founded in 1948, is the world's oldest and largest global environmental network, with more than 1,350 government and NGO Members and close to 16,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. The Director General of IUCN is seeking an Executive Assistant who is highly motivated, well organised, proactive and able to operate effectively and discreetly in a demanding, fast-paced environment. The Director General's Office at IUCN headquarters in Gland interacts with all staff and Senior Management, as well as ministries, governments, embassies, high-level officials, the private sector, NGOs and academia.
Position details: Reports to the Chief of Staff. 100% work percentage. Grade A3. Expected start date 01 November 2026. Max-term contract (up to 24 months with possibility of renewal). Except in exceptional circumstances, remote work is not possible. Gross annual salary CHF 73,019 to CHF 91,274.
Main duties and responsibilities:
• Provide administrative support, coordination and oversight to the Director General's Office, setting work priorities and ensuring deadlines are met
• Serve as first point of contact for the DG for internal and external parties
• Manage the DG's daily schedule and office task list, and arrange meetings with agendas and documentation
• Act as rapporteur when needed, preparing minutes and monitoring follow-up actions
• Organise the DG's participation in events, retreats, high-level meetings and conferences
• Handle the DG's travel arrangements, visas, itineraries, briefing books and expense claims
• Draft letters and memoranda for the DG's approval and signature
• Log and route incoming correspondence and track delegated items
• Prepare invoices, payment requests and expense claims for the DGO cost centre and manage petty cash
• Prepare informal translations between English and French, and if possible Spanish
• Coordinate with assistants of other IUCN units
Requirements:
• At least seven years of relevant administrative experience, of which at least five in Executive Assistant positions
• Excellent written and spoken English and French, including drafting and translation; Spanish is an asset
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in multicultural teams
• Extensive experience in large organizations, with knowledge of corporate workflows, coordination and administration; experience in international organizations is an asset
• Ability to work under time pressure, handle multiple tasks, and exercise a high degree of discretion, tact and integrity with confidential information
• Flexibility and willingness to work long hours and occasional weekends
• Due to local legal requirements, candidates must be Swiss citizens or hold a valid C, B or G work permit
Closing date: 17 October 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online through the IUCN HR Management System: open the vacancy announcement and press the "Apply" button. Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date; the vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time. Only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=11785&lang=en