Assistant to General Secretary

Nature of the Role

The Assistant General Secretary (AGS) is a generalist leadership development position, created to build the next generation of senior leadership within the YWCA of India. The AGS works directly alongside the National General Secretary (NGS), taking on delegated responsibilities across governance, programmes, Member Association management and external representation.

The AGS functions as an understudy to the NGS, gaining exposure to the full breadth of the NGS’s responsibilities through delegated work. She holds her own portfolio of responsibilities alongside other tasks delegated to her. The role is intentionally generalist: her work will follow the NGS’s priorities at any given time.

Core Responsibilities

Governance & Institutional Management

Assist the NGS in managing the governance of the organisation, including National Executive, National Board and Committee meetings: drafting minutes, coordinating, disseminating decisions and ensuring that action is taken on all points.
Draft governance correspondence, NEC circulars, constitutional clarifications and formal communications to Member Associations as delegated.
Track compliance matters, follow up on pending action points and monitor responses from Member Associations.
Represent the NGS in internal governance processes, working groups and committee meetings when delegated to do so.
Support the NGS in handling sensitive governance matters, including disputes, complaints and constitutional issues, as they arise, by preparing case studies, consolidating information and maintaining a database for the organisation.

Programme Oversight & Coordination

Work across programme departments on specific projects and programmes as delegated by the NGS, providing coordination, follow-up and liaison support.
Monitor programme implementation, gather progress updates and compile reports for the NGS.
Support campaigns, advocacy initiatives and special events organised by the National Office.
Liaise with project staff and Member Associations on programme matters under the NGS’s direction.

Member Association Liaison

Serve as a first-level point of contact for Member Associations on matters delegated by the NGS.
Draft responses to queries, correspondence and concerns from Member Associations for the NGS’s review and approval.
Follow up with Member Associations on compliance, reporting and communication requirements.
Support regional coordination with Vice Presidents and regional teams as required.

External Representation & Advocacy

Represent the YWCA of India at external meetings, consultations, coalitions and events when delegated by the NGS.
Support the NGS in preparing for external engagements by drafting talking points, background notes, briefings and statements for the National Leadership.
Contribute to advocacy campaigns, public communications and position papers as assigned.
Assist in managing relationships with partner organisations, government bodies and the World YWCA.

Research, Writing & Documentation

Undertake research and prepare background notes, policy briefs and discussion papers to support the National Leadership’s work.
Draft reports, articles, speeches, social media content and other written materials on behalf of the NGS as required.
Document the proceedings, decisions and outcomes of key meetings attended as the NGS’s representative.

Deputising for the NGS

Step in for the NGS at meetings, events and engagements when she is unavailable, with appropriate briefing and authority.
Handle time-sensitive matters on the NGS’s behalf, with due approval, when she is travelling or otherwise engaged.
Keep the NGS informed of developments and decisions taken while deputising.

Inter-departmental Coordination

Work with departments and gather regular updates to support the smooth functioning of the organisation.
Coordinate the collection of reports and arrange regular inter-departmental meetings.
Ensure that EoIs, contracts, agreements and lease updates, along with updates from Administration and Projects, receive the required approvals from the relevant committees and, through the NGS, from the NEC.

Education

Postgraduate degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Management, Public Policy, Law or a related discipline. Exceptional graduates with demonstrable leadership experience will also be considered.

Experience

2–5 years of work experience in the development, civil society or public policy sector. Early-career candidates with strong demonstrated potential will also be considered.
Experience working with NGOs, women’s organisations, advocacy bodies or institutional governance settings is an advantage.
Exposure to governance, policy drafting or organisational management is desirable but not essential.

Skills & Competencies

Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to draft formal correspondence, reports and governance documents with precision and clarity.
Strong analytical and research skills; able to synthesise information and produce concise, well-argued written outputs.
Comfortable working in a fast-moving, generalist environment where priorities shift and tasks vary.
Confident in representing the organisation in external settings with appropriate professionalism.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard digital communication tools.
Knowledge of Hindi is an advantage.

Personal Attributes

Deep commitment to feminist values and the mission of the YWCA, with an understanding of the issues affecting women and girls in India.
A high degree of discretion, integrity and judgement; able to handle sensitive governance and personnel matters with confidentiality.
Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in learning the full scope of NGO leadership.
Self-motivated and proactive; able to take initiative without waiting to be directed.
Willingness to travel within India and, where required, internationally.
A team player who can also work independently when required.

Job Type

Full-time

Reports To

National General Secretary (NGS)

Relationship to Staff

Works in parallel with the National Administrative Officer, the Administrative Secretary and other departments.
Coordinates as required but does not supervise staff unless that responsibility is assigned.

Working Hours

9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with alternate Saturdays working. Additional hours may be required for meetings, events and travel.

Terms of Appointment

Salary: Commensurate with experience, as per the organisation’s pay scale.
Appointment: Duration and nature of appointment to be confirmed.
Travel: Within India as required; international travel may be required for World YWCA or advocacy engagements.