Administrative Assistant , Better Cotton Initiative

Administrative Assistant 

Job Announcement 
The Better Cotton Initiative is looking for an Administrative Assistant to look after its office in London, support the global leadership team and provide administration for the BCI-UK charity. This is a busy role with plenty of scope for own initiative. The successful candidate is service-minded and pro-active in his/her approach to providing team support, has good attention to detail and a strong ability to multi-task.

To be successful in this role you will need to be culturally versatile, fluent in English (at least), and have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with team members from different parts of the world.

Building on the success to date, where Better Cotton creates positive changes for farming communities, and is being bought by BCI retailer and brand members, BCI has set ambitious targets for the future, increasing Better Cotton volume production 8-fold by 2015 and 26-fold by 2020.

Our experience has taught us that the cotton market cannot be left to itself to make the changes happen. Our model for market transformation is based on focused, manageable activities developed by BCI itself and clear roles for other supply chain actors, partners and governments. Working with our members and partners, BCI will focus on the key drivers at both ends of the supply chain – supply creation/push and demand generation/pull.

BackgroundCotton is one of the most important and widely grown crops in the world. With more than 90% of cotton farmers living in developing countries, millions of poor farmers and workers depend on it for their livelihoods. However, current cotton growing methods need to change as they are placing unsustainable pressures on the environment and the people who produce it. Change means using fewer pesticides, managing water more efficiently, improving soil health and bio-diversity, enhancing fibre quality, and improving the welfare of farm workers.

BCI exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future.
BCI works with a diverse range of stakeholders to promote measurable and continuing improvements for the environment, farming communities and the economies of cotton-producing areas.
BCI aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity.

BCI’s specific aims are to:1. Reduce the environmental impact of cotton production
2. Improve livelihoods and economic development in cotton producing areas
3. Improve commitment to and flow of Better Cotton throughout the supply chain
4. Ensure the credibility and sustainability of the Better Cotton Initiative

Our Strategic Principles• BCI is focused on effecting change
• BCI is firmly based on the traceability of Better Cotton
• Credibility and the multi-stakeholder nature are crucial to BCI
• Demand for Better Cotton is key to funding and influence
• BCI enables evidence-based communication within a clear framework
• BCI does not set a premium and pricing is a function of the market

2015 Global Targets

Specific Aim	Global Indicator	2015 Target
Reduce the environmental impact of cotton production	Better Cotton hectares under cultivation	2 million
Improve livelihoods & economic development in cotton producing areas	Number of Better Cotton farmers	1 million
Increase commitment to and flow of BC throughout the supply chain	Volume of Better Cotton bought by spinners	1.5 million
Ensure organizational credibility and sustainability of BCI	Earned income as % of global costs	75%

 

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Business Director the Administrative Assistant is responsible for the smooth running of the office in London and for providing support to the BCI Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

Office management

1.     To develop and maintain effective office processes.

2.     To purchase where needed, and to manage and maintain office equipment and train staff on use as necessary.

3.     To manage office supplies, including inventory and purchasing.

4.     To manage office services and effective cost and quality of suppliers.

5.     To liaise with the property management company for all elements of building access, use, restrictions and safety requirements, and to ensure all new and visiting staff are fully briefed in this regard.

6.     To liaise with an external consultant to prepare for a future move of Geneva-based staff to London, and the likely relocation to alternative office premises.

Organisational administration

7.     To support BCI UK legal and administrative procedures, including Trustee meetings and liaison.

8.     To be the first point of contact for general telephone enquiries and visitors to the London office.

9.     To support organising internal and external meetings and workshops.

Finances

10. To liaise closely with the Administrative Assistant in Geneva regarding all financial matters related to UK operations.

11. To manage petty cash.

12. To assist with financial reporting and audit preparation of BCI UK accounts.

Personal assistance

13. To support the Leadership Team with day-to-day administration.

14. To support with travel arrangements as necessary (flights and hotel bookings).

15. To support Leadership Team meetings and calls as necessary.

 

Please note that BCI is a dynamic and growing organisation, and that the requirements of this role may be adapted over time.

Working Arrangements

The successful candidate will report to the Business Director for their work programme, activities and outputs. The position is part-time (30 hours per week, preferably over five days) and is based in London, UK. The position will initially be on a consultancy basis, moving to a permanent contract of employment (pending the establishment of London as the BCI head office).

Profile

To be successful, the Administrative Assistant will have the following attributes:

 

Required:

1.     2 years’ office experience in a relevant position

2.     Strong administrative and organisational skills

3.     Fluent in English

4.     Advanced computer and IT skills, including literacy in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook

5.     Ability to manage multiple tasks

6.     Ability to work independently and to take initiative

7.     Excellent interpersonal and team work skills, with service-oriented attitude

8.     Enjoy solving problems

9.     Ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines

10. Team player

Preferred:

11. Experience or knowledge of accounting and finances

12. Experience or knowledge of budget management

13. Experience or knowledge of UK Human Resources law

14. Experience of working with international organisations

15. Experience of working in a small organisation

16. Ability to work in a multicultural environment with respect for diversity

17. Interest in and commitment to sustainability

Applications

Interested applicants with the required attributes are requested to send, in English, a detailed CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief covering letter (1 page maximum) by email only to: recruitment@bettercotton.org

Only candidates with the right to work in the UK are eligible to apply.

Applicationdeadline:                          Monday, December 16th 2013 08:00 GMT

First round interviews:                             W/C January 6^th 2014, by telephone or Skype

Second round interviews:                        Wednesday, January 15^th 2014, in London

Start Date:                                                                    Monday, February 3^rd 2014 or as soon as possible

 

We thank all applicants for their interest: however, only candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

The BCI is an equal opportunities employer, and is committed to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human and financial resources.