Application Guide

How to Apply for Executive Assistant to the CEO

at The Regulatory Assistance Project

🏢 About The Regulatory Assistance Project

The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) is a unique global nonprofit focused on advancing clean energy policy through direct engagement with governments and regulators worldwide. Unlike typical advocacy groups, RAP operates as a technical assistance provider, offering nonpartisan expertise to help policymakers design and implement effective energy regulations. Working here means contributing directly to climate solutions through evidence-based policy work across multiple continents.

About This Role

As Executive Assistant to the CEO, you'll manage a complex global calendar across time zones while protecting executive focus for strategic priorities. This role involves coordinating high-level meetings with international policymakers, donors, and partner organizations, and supporting logistics for global engagements. Your work directly enables RAP's mission by ensuring the CEO can effectively lead global clean energy policy initiatives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with reviewing and adjusting the CEO's calendar across European, Asian, and American time zones, then drafting correspondence for international policymakers. You'd likely coordinate logistics for an upcoming trip to Brussels for climate policy meetings while preparing briefing materials for a donor call with a European foundation. Throughout the day, you'd field requests while protecting blocks of time for the CEO's strategic work on energy transition initiatives.

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🎯 Who The Regulatory Assistance Project Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years supporting C-level executives in international nonprofit, policy, or mission-driven organizations (not just corporate experience)
  • Demonstrates experience navigating complex, multi-country organizational structures with different time zones and cultural contexts
  • Possesses exceptional English communication skills for drafting correspondence and representing the CEO professionally
  • Shows high digital fluency with Microsoft 365 and collaboration platforms for remote coordination across global teams

📝 Tips for Applying to The Regulatory Assistance Project

1

Highlight specific experience managing calendars across multiple time zones (mention specific tools and strategies you've used)

2

Demonstrate understanding of nonprofit/policy environments by describing how you've supported executives in mission-driven contexts

3

Provide concrete examples of coordinating international meetings with policymakers or donors (not just internal meetings)

4

Showcase your ability to protect executive focus while maintaining responsiveness in a remote, global setting

5

Tailor your application to show awareness of RAP's specific work in clean energy policy regulation (not generic nonprofit experience)

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience supporting executives in international policy or nonprofit environments (specifically mention if you've worked with policymakers)", 'Examples of managing complex global calendars and coordinating across multiple time zones', "How you've acted as a gatekeeper while maintaining important relationships with external stakeholders", "Your understanding of RAP's mission and why clean energy policy work resonates with you personally"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → RAP's specific policy focus areas (beyond just 'clean energy' - understand their work in power sector transformation, building decarbonization, etc.)
  • → The organization's global presence and regional teams (know which continents/countries they operate in)
  • → Recent publications or projects mentioned in their annual report or news section
  • → Key partners and funders (look for mentions of collaborations with governments, international organizations, or foundations)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your process for managing a CEO's calendar when they have meetings across 5+ time zones in a single day
2 How would you handle scheduling a high-level meeting with European policymakers while accommodating the CEO's commitments in Asia?
3 What strategies have you used to protect executive focus while ensuring important stakeholders feel heard and valued?
4 How do you prioritize competing demands when supporting an executive in a mission-driven, time-sensitive environment?
5 Describe your experience with international travel logistics and preparation for policy engagements abroad
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on corporate executive support experience without connecting it to nonprofit/policy contexts
  • Generic calendar management examples without addressing the complexity of global time zones and strategic prioritization
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of RAP's specific mission beyond 'working for a good cause'

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Regulatory Assistance Project!

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