About the Organisation
SmartStart is a successful national network of NGOs & partners realising quality, affordable early learning for all 3-5 year olds — through scaling a network of providers, and achieving specific ecosystem transformations with governments and partners.
About the Job
The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive professional support to the CEO and Executive Management in service of and support for executives’ stakeholder relationships and productivity. The executive will manage the CEO’s office, including involvement in strategic decision-making processes. The EA will act as the first point of contact for enquiries to senior executives; manage executives’ schedules in service of their priorities; and support executives’ workflows and special projects, including follow-ups.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support
Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trustworthy point of contact for all issues pertaining to the CEO and Senior Executives
Share a strategic vision of the brand, vision and trajectory of SmartStart nationally and internationally and ensure this is upheld in all communications from the office of the CEO
Communicate, liaise, and coordinate with Hub departments & teams as well as external partners for effective collaboration
Determine the appropriate course of action, referral, options, or other response by exercising sound professional judgment (including appropriate discretion guided by the CEO) in service of SmartStart’s purpose
Draft, prepare, and edit correspondence, communications, presentations, and other documents for the CEO and Senior Executives
Special Projects - Manage and/or coordinate special projects for the CEO, including:
Organising special projects
Engaging stakeholders appropriately
Identifying risks and acting to mitigate these or otherwise responding appropriately.
Tracking project status and/or outcomes, responding, and updating the CEO as appropriate
Executive Diary & Travel Management - Acting reliably and with discretion:
Manage the CEO and the Senior Executives’ professional calendars related to appointments and meetings
Prioritise inquiries and requests while troubleshooting calendar conflicts
Make judgements and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements
Efficient and reliable administrative responsibilities including:
Evaluate and assist in developing office policies and procedures for improved workflow and anticipate future needs
Sign for all packages/deliveries on behalf of the CEO
Establish, maintain, and update an appropriate and efficient filing systems
Safely file/store all reports, presentations, minutes, and documents
Requirements
The Executive Assistant must anticipate needs, think critically, prioritise, and offer solutions to problems with high professionalism, discretionary judgement, and confidentiality. This involves being a proactive, flexible professional, and trusted team player. The incumbent should also be curious about the bigger picture and capable of working independently to deliver objectives under pressure.
Proven success as an Executive Assistant or as Chief of Staff in smaller organisations or else relevant professional experience serving senior executive(s)
Bachelor’s degree: Postgraduate (advantageous)
Trustworthiness and professionalism, including demonstrated ability to build trust, exercise discretion, and handle confidential information.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including but not limited to senior executives, partner heads, board members, investors, and staff in general.
Excellent verbal and written communication in English, including exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to design and edit slides and similar visual presentations and materials.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to anticipate needs, behave proactively and respond appropriately.
Ability to scan & synthesize disparate sources of information.
Strong organisational and time management skills
Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and adhere to tight deadlines.
Attention to detail and quality of work.
Curiosity and learning orientation
To apply
Must be legally eligible to work full time in South Africa.
Child Safeguarding Policy
Any and all applicants must adhere with the SmartStart Child Safeguarding Policy which has been developed in line with the International Standards for Child Safeguarding which provide a benchmark for organisations working with children.
In terms of this Policy, SmartStart will not employ anyone whose name is on the National Child Protection Register or who has been convicted of a criminal offence involving a child.
In order to apply, email your application by Monday, 14th November 2023 to callum@actionappointments.co.za
About the Organisation
SmartStart is a successful national network of NGOs & partners realising quality, affordable early learning for all 3-5 year olds — through scaling a network of providers, and achieving specific ecosystem transformations with governments and partners.
About the Job
The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive professional support to the CEO and Executive Management in service of and support for executives’ stakeholder relationships and productivity. The executive will manage the CEO’s office, including involvement in strategic decision-making processes. The EA will act as the first point of contact for enquiries to senior executives; manage executives’ schedules in service of their priorities; and support executives’ workflows and special projects, including follow-ups.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support
Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trustworthy point of contact for all issues pertaining to the CEO and Senior Executives
Share a strategic vision of the brand, vision and trajectory of SmartStart nationally and internationally and ensure this is upheld in all communications from the office of the CEO
Communicate, liaise, and coordinate with Hub departments & teams as well as external partners for effective collaboration
Determine the appropriate course of action, referral, options, or other response by exercising sound professional judgment (including appropriate discretion guided by the CEO) in service of SmartStart’s purpose
Draft, prepare, and edit correspondence, communications, presentations, and other documents for the CEO and Senior Executives
Special Projects - Manage and/or coordinate special projects for the CEO, including:
Organising special projects
Engaging stakeholders appropriately
Identifying risks and acting to mitigate these or otherwise responding appropriately.
Tracking project status and/or outcomes, responding, and updating the CEO as appropriate
Executive Diary & Travel Management - Acting reliably and with discretion:
Manage the CEO and the Senior Executives’ professional calendars related to appointments and meetings
Prioritise inquiries and requests while troubleshooting calendar conflicts
Make judgements and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements
Efficient and reliable administrative responsibilities including:
Evaluate and assist in developing office policies and procedures for improved workflow and anticipate future needs
Sign for all packages/deliveries on behalf of the CEO
Establish, maintain, and update an appropriate and efficient filing systems
Safely file/store all reports, presentations, minutes, and documents
Requirements
The Executive Assistant must anticipate needs, think critically, prioritise, and offer solutions to problems with high professionalism, discretionary judgement, and confidentiality. This involves being a proactive, flexible professional, and trusted team player. The incumbent should also be curious about the bigger picture and capable of working independently to deliver objectives under pressure.
Proven success as an Executive Assistant or as Chief of Staff in smaller organisations or else relevant professional experience serving senior executive(s)
Bachelor’s degree: Postgraduate (advantageous)
Trustworthiness and professionalism, including demonstrated ability to build trust, exercise discretion, and handle confidential information.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including but not limited to senior executives, partner heads, board members, investors, and staff in general.
Excellent verbal and written communication in English, including exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to design and edit slides and similar visual presentations and materials.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to anticipate needs, behave proactively and respond appropriately.
Ability to scan & synthesize disparate sources of information.
Strong organisational and time management skills
Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and adhere to tight deadlines.
Attention to detail and quality of work.
Curiosity and learning orientation
To apply
Must be legally eligible to work full time in South Africa.
Child Safeguarding Policy
Any and all applicants must adhere with the SmartStart Child Safeguarding Policy which has been developed in line with the International Standards for Child Safeguarding which provide a benchmark for organisations working with children.
In terms of this Policy, SmartStart will not employ anyone whose name is on the National Child Protection Register or who has been convicted of a criminal offence involving a child.
In order to apply, email your application by Monday, 14th November 2023 to callum@actionappointments.co.za
