The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
The Executive coordinator will provide support to the DG on one-to-one basis and to other staff within the Office of the DG responsible for governance, partnerships, special projects, risk management, marketing, communications, and international relations. The Executive Coordinator will also be responsible for overseeing with a team or independently special projects and assignments assigned by the DG.
The ideal individual should have outstanding project management experience and the ability to exercise professional judgment in a variety of situations, with diplomatic written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. The Executive Coordinator should be able to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.
Executive Support
- Provision of high-level administrative and secretarial support to the DG including but not limited to; supporting the Board of Directors and Management Team on assigned projects; preparing nonstandard reports, correspondence, and presentations for the DG; and overseeing the implementation of decisions nominated by the DG.
- Facilitating the delivery of accurate and timely meetings’ agenda and minutes including the coordination and management of the reporting actions from relevant departments.
- Provide a high-level customer service to both internal and external stakeholders with respect to the DG operational requirements, ensuring legislative requirements are always adhered to; Communicates directly, and on behalf of the Director-General with Board members, donors, and others, on matters related to DG's programmatic initiatives.
- Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the DG, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determines appropriate course of action, referral, or response.
- Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the office of the DG and internal divisions, demonstrates leadership in maintaining credibility, trust, and support to management committee and staff.
- Provides leadership to build relationships crucial to the success of the organization and manages a variety of special projects for the DG, some of which may have organizational impact.
- Works closely and effectively with the DG to keep her/him well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities and follow up appropriately.
- Successfully completes critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including official correspondence, and other tasks that facilitate the DG's ability to lead the Center effectively.
- Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matter expeditiously, and proactively, and follows through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and donors
• Expert level in written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic
• Demonstrates proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability and emotional maturity • Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
•Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of client service and response
• Ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment • Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions • Ability to translate English and Arabic documents and draft professional executive communication material
Education and Experience Requirements
• Bachelor's degree required and master’s degree is preferred
• Strong work tenure: five to ten years of experience supporting C-Level Executives, preferably in an international non-profit organization
• High degree of Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media platforms.
• Knowledge of Project Management software and project tracking
• Knowledge of VIP protocol and communication
