Programme Assistant

The Fifth Element is seeking a programme assistant to join our team.

The Programme Assistant will support the implementation and coordination of The Fifth Element threads and initiatives. Reporting to the Principal, this role is execution-focused and requires a strong entrepreneurial mindset with operational discipline to support the platform. The Programme Assistant supports the Principal in ensuring timely, quality project delivery, robust timeline management, cross-team coordination and analysis of initiative success against key indicators.

Preferred profile

This role suits someone who is detail-oriented and naturally systematic. Someone who notices when things slip, maintains clear records, raises issues proactively and is oriented towards continuous learning. They are comfortable receiving direction and have a genuine interest in working with others in a close-knit team. They see this as an opportunity to develop skills in programme management whilst making a tangible contribution to transformative work on climate and development.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and coordinate the contributions by project partners and third parties that are relevant to the strategic goals of The Fifth Element projects and initiatives.
• Support the Principal in project initiation and infrastructure set-up at the early stages of a new initiative.
• Collect and organise performance data in line with frameworks defined by the Principal and Programme leads.
• Proofread and edit content, proposals and other written materials.
• Manage the Principal’s calendar to schedule stakeholder touchpoints, regular team meetings and working group sessions.
• Maintain coordination tools, update agendas with decisions and action items in a timely manner.
• Support planning and execution of The Fifth Element convenings and team events, including logistics, scheduling and participant coordination.
• Support the implementation of digital tools and other monitoring, evaluation and learning touchpoints and processes.
• Support operational logistics, including expense tracking, travel arrangements and equipment.
• Support the international secretariat of the Club of Rome in various administrative and organisational matters as needed. 

Background and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative or systems-oriented discipline (project management, supply chain management, engineering, business administration, environmental science, information systems or similar). Graduates from other fields may be considered if they can demonstrate experience in process-oriented roles.
• One or two years of experience in a programme coordination, project support or administrative role. A recent graduate with a strong track record of implementation-oriented extracurricular activities will be considered.
• A strong interest and understanding of climate change, sustainable development, youth engagement or locally-led adaptation. Some exposure to environmental sciences/humanities and earth politics is an advantage.
• Familiarity with AI, project tracking, and calendar management tools (e.g. Claude Cowork, Airtable, Trello, Microsoft SharePoint services and apps); a strong proficiency with Excel spreadsheets.
• Strong written and spoken understanding of English. Other languages are an advantage.

Essential competencies:

• Organisation and attention to detail.
• Reliability and dependability: follow through on commitments, maintain clear records and keep team members updated
• Clear writing ability for reports, updates and emails. Comfortable communicating with diverse audiences
• Proactivity in raising issues without waiting to be asked. Taking initiative within their role.
• Eager to develop skills, comfortable with feedback and guidance; brings a growth mindset to the role
• A collaborative mindset, comfortable supporting others. Works well with a small action-oriented team.

About the Fifth Element team and culture

The Fifth Element is an initiative of the Club of Rome working to convene organisations and individuals that reframe human development for wellbeing on a healthy planet. The team is small but effective, operating across 4 continents and partnering with collaborators in over 35 countries.

The culture is collaborative, open-minded and reflective. We are a highly ambitious team, working with a spirit of significance while embracing modesty and humility. There is a strong emphasis on learning, systems thinking and ubuntu. The role offers early-career exposure to leading-edge thinkers, leaders and organisations on systemic change, regeneration and intergenerational leadership at a pivotal moment for global policy and practice.

For more information about the work of The Fifth Element, read the 2025 activity report and visit our website.

For more information about the work of the Club of Rome, read the 2025 Annual report.

Conditions

• Starting 5 January 2027
• Full-time (40 hours per week),
• One year with renewal depending on funding
• Three-month probation period
• Remote (must be able to work during Central African Time working hours)
• Travel to Club of Rome offices in Switzerland, South Africa, or other meeting locations as needed.

How to apply

Please fill in the application form here. This requires a CV, answering a set of questions, and details of referees.

The deadline for applications is 25 October 2026 at 23:59 CAT

Our recruitment process

• Applications submitted to a recruitment platform for the first shortlist
• Technical interview: complete a small task that is similar to the types of tasks you will be doing. Further shortlisting
• Panel interviews
• Shortlisted candidates may be asked to submit due diligence documentation
• Final interview with the Principal

This position is for the Fifth Element programme, but the person will sign a work contract with The Club of Rome. 

The Club of Rome is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to a working environment that promotes equality, diversity, tolerance and inclusion. We encourage qualified candidates to apply from all social and ethnic backgrounds, and do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of ethnic origin, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.