Executive Assistant to the Group CEO

Job description

Job Title: Executive Assistant to the Group CEO Department: Office of the Group CEO Location: Johannesburg, South Africa/ Lusaka, Zambia/ Harare, Zimbabwe/ Kinshasa, DRC Contract Type: Full-time Application Closing Date: 15 September 2026 About GreenCo GreenCo acts as an intermediary offtaker and service provider, purchasing power from renewable IPPs and selling electricity to utilities and private sector offtakers (commercial and industrial users) and across SAPP markets. GreenCo mobilises private sector capital by enabling bankable structures, accelerating procurement and contracting, and supporting delivery of transformative energy capacity addition. GreenCo’s vision is to lead innovation and sustainably transform renewable energy markets through: Market integration and scalable commercial structures that unlock investment in renewable generation. Innovative, financeable solutions that increase speed-to-market for new projects and customer supply. An agile, high-ownership culture with strong accountability and measurable delivery. GreenCo offers a dynamic environment with strong potential for professional development and career advancement The Role in Context The Executive Assistant to the Group CEO is responsible for managing the Office of the Group CEO and ensuring that the CEO’s time, priorities, commitments and engagements are effectively coordinated across the GreenCo Group. The role requires a high level of judgement, discretion, organisation and ownership. The Executive Assistant will proactively manage competing priorities, coordinate across multiple jurisdictions, ensure the CEO is appropriately briefed and prepared, and drive follow-through on commitments and decisions. The role will interact with senior internal and external stakeholders, including shareholders, development finance institutions, regulators, ministries, utilities and commercial counterparties. Key Responsibilities Executive Support, Diary and Travel Management Development Manage the Group CEO’s diary, priorities and competing demands, making scheduling decisions within agreed parameters. Coordinate meetings across multiple time zones and protect time for priority commitments, preparation and strategic work. Manage domestic and international travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, ground transport, visas and immigration requirements. Prepare travel itineraries and coordinate travel administration and expense claims. Ensure the CEO has the information, documentation and preparation required for meetings and engagements. Governance and Meeting Support Coordinate Group Board, Executive Committee, shareholder and relevant subsidiary governance cycles. Coordinate meeting schedules, agendas, papers, deadlines and distribution. Attend meetings, take accurate minutes and maintain action registers. Follow up with relevant stakeholders to ensure agreed actions are progressed and completed. Maintain the Group governance calendar in coordination with Legal and Company Secretarial. Executive Briefing and Coordination Prepare and coordinate briefing materials for the CEO’s internal and external engagements. Prepare daily and weekly look-ahead schedules, priorities and key actions. Maintain visibility of the CEO’s commitments, workstreams, deadlines, dependencies and upcoming decisions. Coordinate across GreenCo’s operating entities and functions to progress outstanding actions and decisions. Proactively identify and escalate risks, delays, conflicts or issues requiring CEO attention. Support the CEO in maintaining effective follow-through on strategic and operational priorities. Executive Stakeholder and External Engagement Act as the first point of contact for the Office of the Group CEO. Manage invitations, introductions and requests, exercising appropriate judgement regarding the CEO’s involvement. Coordinate with executive offices and assistants of counterpart organisations and senior stakeholders. Coordinate conferences, speaking engagements, panels, delegations, shareholder engagements and high-profile visits. Work with Communications on external appearances, publications and related requirements. Maintain professional and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Executive Recruitment, Onboarding and Information Management Coordinate interview scheduling and panel logistics for senior appointments. Support onboarding activities for employees working closely with the Group CEO. Maintain accurate contact, relationship and background records. Maintain appropriate filing structures, document control and version management. Handle board, shareholder, transaction, legal, HR and other confidential information with the highest level of discretion. Ensure sensitive information is appropriately stored and access is managed in accordance with GreenCo requirements. Decision-Making and Accountability The Executive Assistant is expected to exercise independent judgement within agreed parameters and is responsible for: Prioritising competing requests for the Group CEO’s time. Managing and redirecting routine requests appropriately. Following up directly with senior stakeholders on outstanding commitments. Identifying and escalating risks, delays and competing priorities proactively. Making routine administrative and logistical decisions required to support the Office of the Group CEO. Ensuring the CEO is appropriately prepared for key meetings, decisions and engagements. Material financial, legal, strategic or reputational matters remain subject to GreenCo’s established approval and authority structures. Qualifications & Experience Essential Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Law, Economics or a related field. A Master’s degree is advantageous. Minimum 5 years’ experience supporting a CEO, founder, board-level principal or equivalent senior executive. Demonstrable experience in executive diary and travel management, board or committee support, executive correspondence and/or multi-stakeholder coordination. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organisational, planning and project management skills. Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through. Proven ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive information. Experience coordinating multi-country travel, including visa and immigration requirements. Strong judgement and confidence when engaging and following up with senior stakeholders. Advantageous Experience working in a multi-country or multi-entity organisation. Experience working across more than one African jurisdiction. Exposure to energy, infrastructure, development finance or another regulated sector. Familiarity with governance and company secretarial processes. Experience working with shareholders, regulators, utilities, development finance institutions or commercial counterparties. French and/or Chinese language proficiency is a big bonus and will be considered a strong differentiator. Key Competencies Judgement and discretion: Demonstrates sound judgement and maintains confidentiality when handling sensitive information. Executive judgement: Understands competing priorities and makes appropriate decisions regarding the CEO’s time. Organisation and attention to detail: Manages multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders while maintaining accuracy. Proactivity and anticipation: Identifies requirements and potential issues before they become problems. Stakeholder management: Communicates confidently and professionally with senior internal and external stakeholders. Ownership and accountability: Takes responsibility for deliverables and follows commitments through to completion. Adaptability: Remains effective in a fast-moving environment where priorities may change. Written communication: Produces clear, professional correspondence, minutes, briefing notes and executive materials. Technology Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint. Proficiency with Microsoft Planner or equivalent task and workflow management tools. Familiarity with travel and expense management platforms and CRM/contact management systems is advantageous. Working Requirements This is a full-time role with a standard working week of 40 hours. The successful candidate must be willing to work flexibly when required, including across different time zones and around the Group CEO’s schedule. The role may require domestic and international travel in support of the Group CEO. Potential conflicts of interest must be declared and discussed prior to appointment. Reporting Relationship The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Group CEO and works closely with the Group Executive Committee, Country Managing Directors and their offices, Legal and Company Secretarial, Communications and other functional teams across GreenCo. The role will collaborate across GreenCo’s operating entities and functional structures depending on the scope of work.