Programmes Assistant, Funders Initiative for Civil Society

We are in search of a Programmes Assistant who brings excellent administrative skills, a keen interest in human rights and a commitment to supporting a vibrant civil society and open civic space. This is a newly created position to provide additional support to the expanding FICS team. To thrive in this role, you will enjoy collaboration across the organisation and engaging with our teams to deliver effective administration supporting a diverse range of programmatic work. You will also enjoy being in a busy and highly adaptive environment where we are working across a range of complex issues.

You will be keen to get involved in and develop your understanding of FICS’ work around civic space ranging from narrative power to securitisation. You might be looking to begin a career within human rights and philanthropy.

Successfully managing a varied workload within established deadlines is key. Your approach should be methodical, and we are looking for someone with a genuine enthusiasm for supporting effective programme management, which includes adept record-keeping, utilising planning tools, and handling some financial administration.

We are looking for someone who is flexible, proactive, and ready to contribute to the dynamic growth of our warm and friendly team. In return, we are committed to providing training and shadowing opportunities through which you will have the opportunity to learn about a diverse range of issues relating to civic space and meet with a wide range of amazing changemakers.

Key Responsiblities:

General Administrative Support:

• Monitor shared email inboxes – acting as first point of contact for external enquiries and logging, fielding, and actioning requests as appropriate.
• Maintain organised documentation for programme activities, including meeting notes, contracts, and correspondence within our cloud-based filing systems.
• Help keep membership/contact information updated within the CRM.
• Support team travel plans including transport, accommodation, and visa arrangements.
• Occasional assistance with scheduling of meetings.

Finance Administration:

• Look after the day-to-day processing of invoices, credit card statements, expenses, and advisory fee payments.
• Assist in monitoring expenses according to allocated budgets.
• Assist with the drafting and processing of contracts for consultancies.

Event Administration:

• Help organise events, workshops, or meetings related to the programmes (most of these are online).
• Coordinate logistics, including Zoom bookings, participant registration, interpretation and translation arrangements, supporting the coordination of speakers and participants, access needs.
• Assist during online events with light tech and administrative support.
• For occasional in-person events, assist with venue booking, catering and travel arrangements and risk assessments.
• Assist with the preparation of emails, presentations, and other materials related to events.

Person Specification

We are committed to being a diverse team and are looking for talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences who share our values.

In your application, please demonstrate how you address the following criteria:

Essential:

• Relevant administrative experience.
• Proven organisational skills, with excellent time management, the ability to manage a varied workload and to work flexibly within a small team.
• Proficiency in clear English communication, both verbally and in writing, with good attention to detail.
• Good numeracy skills, including experience of using an online accountancy package, ideally Xero, and the ability to work with financial records and ensure accuracy.
• Comprehensive proficiency in Microsoft Office O365 and familiarity with communication tools and platforms, especially Zoom.
• Good understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Permission to live and work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working in a not-for-profit organisation.
• A keen awareness of digital security in the context of human rights work.
• Experience of supporting and organising events.
• Basic design skills, following brand guidelines, to create visually appealing email and presentation content.
• Experience of working with CRMs and Mailchimp.

Full details of how to apply are in the attached job pack. The deadline for applications is 9AM BST, 15th July 2024.