Administrative Assistant Job Vacancy in Cape Town at The Centre for Environmental Rights

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is seeking a highly organised and proactive administrative assistant to support our daily operations in Cape Town.

The key responsibilities of this role include managing front-office duties, organizing events, and providing general office administration and logistical support. We are seeking an energetic and self-motivated individual with strong time management and problem-solving skills, as well as experience in document drafting and filing systems. Proficiency in computer applications is a significant advantage.

The ideal candidate should possess confidence, positive interpersonal skills, and effective communication abilities. They must be focused, able to work independently, have a mature disposition, and should be able to work well with diverse individuals in a dynamic environment.

This position reports to the HR & Office Manager and collaborates closely with our administrative team across office locations. The candidate will also liaise with suppliers and service providers from time to time.

We invite applicants who have a genuine interest and passion for advancing environmental and social justice, along with a commitment to the shared values of our organisation.

Location

Cape Town

Qualifications, skills and experience

• A formal certificate in office administration, secretarial or equivalent
• At least 3 years’ proven practical experience in front desk, office administration duties and events management
• Very good communication skills
• Proficient in English (verbal and written); Nguni language a plus
• Personable, excellent phone etiquette to handle phone calls, queries, pass information
• Proficient in MS Office Suite with experience in the use computer & digital applications like Sharepoint, databases, Cloud applications, Adobe, Canva, etc. a plus
• Familiarity with office systems such as Zoom, videoconferencing, telephone systems
• Punctual, reliable, honest and trustworthy; quick and eager to learn and develop new skills
• Highly organised, excellent time management; can multi-task, keen attention to detail
• Positive, professional demeanour, able to work and communicate with diverse groups of people (internal and external)

Key responsibilities

• Front desk: as first point of contact, professionally receive, dispatch and manage phone calls, queries; receive/pass information; receive deliveries or dispatch couriers or similar kind of activity; help maintain a pleasing office environment.
• CER Events and management: responsible for the efficient planning, organising and executing organisational events, managing the events’ budget, and oversee logistics and communication; help manage CER organisational events calendar.
• General office support: provide essential support and logistical assistance in the office to sustain a productive and fulfilling work environment
• Admin support and record keeping: provide support and assistance in a range of administrative duties; keep accurate information, reports or records; help maintain accurate filing systems; assist in drafting of documents, invites or similar materials.
• Finance-related support: assist with the reconciliation of invoices or receipts or similar reports; comply to policies and procedures per CER finance policy; help monitor department expenses as per approved budget
• Communication: provide smooth flow of general communication and information; ensure accurate sharing of information; collaborate and communicate promptly and in a professional manner; properly to queries or requests.

Salary

The salary range for the position is between R 274,319 to R306,591 (total cost to company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate. The salary package includes medical aid and pension subsidies.

At CER we value health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. We therefore offer other benefits including generous leave, wellness and psychosocial support, and study support.

Working for the CER

The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation and law clinic of activist lawyers who work with communities and civil society organisations in South Africa to realise our Constitutional right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice. We seek a just, equitable, compassionate society which is resilient, celebrates diversity, and respects the inter-dependence between people and the environment.

We work across the following core themes: Mining, Pollution and Climate Change, Corporate Accountability & Transparency, and Activist Support & Training. We have our main office in Cape Town, with another office in Johannesburg.

How to apply

All applications must be addressed to [email protected] with the email subject line: “CER Administrative Assistant, Ref 02/2025, Your Full Name”, along with the following attachments:

1. A cover letter setting out your skills, relevant experience, and why you want to work at the CER;

2. A copy of your CV;

3. At least two recent contactable written references not older than 6 months.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete relevant tests or an assignment to demonstrate competency.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Centre reserves the right not to appoint should there be no suitable candidate.