Technical Assistant to the CPO at Vendease

Job Summary

As the maestro of the CPO's office, you'll connect and work seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders, handling a variety of executive projects. The ideal candidate is a creative powerhouse who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, combining professionalism with a dash of flair. You will be a pivotal player in an environment focused on results and excellence. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to excel in a role that will transform each workday into an exciting experience.

Job Details

Technical:

• Execute significant strategic, operational, and cultural initiatives that lead to substantial organizational changes
• Collaborate with the CPO and other senior executives in navigating uncertainty and mitigating risks through effective project management
• Lead analysis and program management, engage in alliances, closely collaborating with relevant stakeholders
• Foster optimised relationships and credibility between the Co-Founder and his direct reports
• Directly engage with teams on behalf of the CPO to ensure project deliverables align with scope and budget
• Delegate project tasks to relevant stakeholders based on their strengths, skill sets, and experience levels
• Follow up on contacts initiated by the CPO and contribute to cultivating ongoing relationships.
• Manage multiple complex departmental/company-wide projects, coordinating necessary Meetings

Executive Support:

(Please note that there is an Executive Assistant primarily responsible for some of the admin tasks listed below, but the Technical Assistant leads the role)

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for the CPO's activities, including calendaring, filing, expense reports, and travel logistics
• Manage scheduling and preparation for meetings, brief the CPO for all engagements, and prepare executives for team interactions
• Ensure quality control for all CPO communications, internally and externally
•  Anticipate the needs of the CPO and oversee daily operations of the executive office
•  Support the CPO's workload by managing information flow, resolving issues, and providing analysis and advice
• Research, prioritise, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CPO, ensuring an appropriate response
•  Serve as a communication bridge between the Executive office and internal departments, maintaining credibility and trust
• Complete critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, facilitating effective Leadership.

Executive Team Liaison:

• Coordinate and manage Executive Team meetings, setting agendas and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Facilitate information flow from the Executive Team and promote organisational alignment and support.
•  Assist in building and maintaining external relationships that align with the Executive Team Agenda. 

Communications and Partnerships:

• Drive the strategic use of the CPO's leadership voice internally and externally, in partnership with the Communications team.
• Keep the CPO's bio updated and respond to requests for materials regarding the CPO and the organization.
• Edit and complete first drafts for written communications to external stakeholders.

Knowledge & Skills

• Can anticipate and avert problems, grasp and add value to the leader’s vision, organisational and political intelligence
• Strong work ethic and impeccable professionalism
• Advanced knowledge of apple-based hardware/software products
• Fluency (not expertise) across key operational areas such as financial analysis, HR, IT, Legal, and knowledge of what foundations do and how they typically work
• Ability to use project management tools like Asana, JIRA, Trello etc.
• Action Orientation – A decisive, quick and  proven ability to accurately analyse information; identify key trends, and complete strategic operations
• A bottom-line orientation and a proven track record of exceeding goals in an international setting.
• Substantial and successful management experience
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data, to prepare concise summaries, and to provide sound recommendations related to extremely complex issues
• Expert level oral and written communication, presentation, and organisational skills
• Emotional maturity
• Excellent with follow up and attention to detail
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion. 
• Experience working with high profile individuals using appropriate sensitivity
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem solving with strong decision making capability
• Ability to set boundaries and manage expectations
• Excellent interpersonal, collaborative and partnership development skills to work successfully with a variety of individuals and cultures
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability required or indicative of a start-up, entrepreneurial or changing work environment
• Highly resourceful team-player, self confident, creative and independent self starter, while also being collaborative who acts with diplomacy at all times

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred
• 6-12 years experience working with C-level Executives
• Experience and interest in internal and external communications, partnership development
• Track record of developing strong partnerships internally and externally and using influence (rather than direct authority) to make change. 
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary
• Ability to travel to support high level meetings and other Executive Office work several times per year.