Office Administrator

Geneva Office Administrator 
Human Rights Watch,
 
Geneva, N/A, Switzerland  
Full-Time Position Available:
(1-year with possibility of extension)
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Operations Department
(Geneva Office)
Deadline: March 24, 2010
 
Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly-qualified applicants for the position of Office Administrator.
 
Description: Human Rights Watch is seeking an Office Administrator to be responsible for providing a high level of professional day-to-day support to ensure the smooth and efficient running of two of HRW’s offices in Europe (Geneva and Zurich). The position reports mainly to the London based Deputy Director of European Operations, and also to the Geneva Advocacy Director.
 
Working in conjunction with staff in Switzerland and our New York-based headquarters, responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
 
Finance
Managing the bank accounts and cash flows for Geneva and Zurich; processing financial transactions, including payroll, pensions, monthly bill payments, expense reimbursements and disbursements; running internal and external financial reports; processing and tracking revenue transactions (donations); working with financial service vendors such as auditors; and handling issues in relation to HRW’s legal, branch and foundation status.
 
Human Resources
Maintaining a working knowledge of and complying with Swiss employment laws; assisting with the recruitment and on-boarding of Switzerland based staff and interns; maintaining the attendance management database; and administering staff contracts, benefits, pensions and insurance.
 
Facilities and Administration
Maintaining the smooth and effective functioning of the office; liaising with the premises landlord; responding to public queries and visitors; responsibility for the stocking of office supplies; general office maintenance; assisting with travel arrangements and follow-up; answering general post, email and telephone enquiries; and office security and protocols.
 
Information Technology
Trouble shooting, helpdesk support to Switzerland based staff, back up and upgrading when necessary.
 
HRW prides itself on its professionalism and on providing the highest levels of responsiveness and service to staff across the organization, so the Office Administrator will be expected to take initiative to identify and solve problems and implement operations innovations. S/he will be expected to build close and collaborative relationships with the managers and staff based in Switzerland, as well as colleagues in other European offices and the organization’s headquarters in New York; and play a collaborative role in handling cross-border operational issues in Europe.
 
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have excellent academic credentials and a minimum of 3-5 years of operations or administrative experience in a demanding and fast-paced environment. S/he must demonstrate excellent organizational, administrative and financial skills, a proven history of taking initiative and solving problems, superb interpersonal skills, high energy and attention to detail. S/he will have excellent leadership and management skills, including the demonstrated ability to work successfully with a team of talented professionals in multiple global locations. This position would be an excellent steppingstone for candidates interested in developing their skills and experience in non-profit or charitable management and leadership. The candidate must have excellent written and spoken skills in English and French.
 
Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience and education. Human Rights Watch offers excellent employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, a pension plan and 22 days vacation per year. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
 
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY by emailing in a single submission in English: a letter of interest describing your experience, your resume, salary requirements, names or letters of reference, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) no later than March 24, 2010 to opsjobshrw.org. Please use “Geneva Office Administrator Reference: 10-1006-B” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:
 
Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (Geneva Office Administrator Reference: 10-1006-B)
64-66, rue de Lausanne 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Fax: +41-22-738-1791
 
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
 
Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.