M25122 Personal Assistant to the Chief Operations Officer (COO)

CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Personal Assistant to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) to work in the Executive Office in the Operations Chapter. 

The positions will be based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Position in the organization

• Reports to: Work is performed under supervision and in close coordination with the Chief Operations Officer (COO).
• Close team members: This position collaborates with members of the Operations Chapter team and the Leadership/Executive team.

Primary objectives:

• To assist and provide support to the COO in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Operations Chapter, ensuring that all departments function efficiently and effectively.

Scope of Work:

Planning, Coordination, and Communication:

• Drafting, preparing presentations, business plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs) guidelines, and various documents , in English ensuring accuracy, consistency, and effective communication.
• Organize and coordinate meetings led by the COO for the Operations Chapter and other relevant chapters/ groups and prepare pre-study materials and documents for the participants.
• Facilitate internal communication and interaction within the Operations Chapter and with other chapters to enhance coordination and collaboration among groups.
• Coordinate with various departments in Operations Chapter to align operations with strategic goals and ensure smooth functioning.

Follow-Up and Monitoring:

• Prepare meeting minutes and executive reports in English to document outcomes, agreements, and action plans.
• Monitor and track the implementation of follow-up actions within the Operations Chapter.
• Provide regular reports on the status of ongoing activities and follow up on action items.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and maintain a log of follow-up items.

Confidential Matters:

• Handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality and provide support on confidential projects and initiatives.

Language (English) and Software Management:

• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (Level C1).
• Proficiently use tools/ software to enhance information management and productivity.
• Troubleshoot basic operational (e.g., IT) issues and coordinate with relevant support areas when necessary.

Deliverables:

• Ongoing support, coordination and monitoring
• Communication (including drafting and preparing documents for COO)
• Personal Assistance

Requirements

• The selected candidate must have a (MBA) in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced level of English (written and conversational). English will be tested, and candidate should score a minimum of C1 on CEFR.
• The selected candidate must have strong service orientation (sense of urgency), with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills (including time management, resource management, prioritization, coordination, communication, and problem solving).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiently use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software.
• Familiarity with the International Organizations/ NGO sector (multicultural).
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Teamwork, Client Orientation, Problem Solving decision making, Negotiation and Conflict resolution.

Benefits

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).