Personal Secretary to CEO

Job Title: Secretary & Digital Operations Assistant to CEO

Job Code: 20260707Administration11

Company: VPA India | www.decarbonisation.expert

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat, India (In-Person & Flexible)

Reports to: Vijay Patel, CEO

Job Type: Part-Time / Contract / Temporary / Freelance / Internship / Student Job (Fresh graduates from any education stream are welcome to apply)

Expected Hours: 21 to 42 hours per week

Contract Duration: 6 to 12 months

Probation Period: 6 months

About VPA India

VPA India is a decarbonisation consultancy founded in 1997, with 30 years of expertise in carbon credits, corporate sustainability reporting (BRSR/ESG), GHG accounting, and biodiversity and nature credits. Operating from Vadodara, Gujarat, VPA India serves clients globally across all industry sectors. The firm is led by Vijay Patel, CEO, who holds international academic credentials from Brandenburg Technical University, Germany and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA, and brings prior experience as a Lead Auditor at SGS SA, a designated DOE/VVB for carbon credit validation and verification.

Role Summary

The Secretary & Digital Operations Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative, organisational, and communication support to the CEO on a flexible basis (21–42 hours per week). This role is ideal for a motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic, knowledge-driven environment and is eager to gain exposure to the growing fields of carbon markets, ESG advisory, and sustainability consulting. The position offers flexibility in working arrangements with a combination of in-person presence in Vadodara and flexible/remote working as mutually agreed.

Key Responsibilities

● Online Marketing: Handling the Google Ads account. Managing the search campaigns and reviewing campaign performance at agreed intervals and preparing concise observations for the CEO. Suggesting necessary updates as per results achieved. Creating the new campaign with the help of AI tools.

● Website Management: Supporting the preparation, updating and organisation of website content and page layouts under the CEO’s direction. Managing all related works for enhancing the online website presence. Search engine optimisation (SEO), and AI Tools search optimisation.

● AI Tools Management: To work with Claude and other AI Tools for preparing the proposal, quotations and business development documents. Creating the projects, skills or spaces for different types of work for specific output.

● Communication Management: Screen, prioritise, and respond to emails, phone calls, and messages on behalf of the CEO. Draft, proofread, and format professional correspondence, including client emails, cover letters, and follow-up communications.

● Research and Information Gathering: Conduct basic research on topics as directed by the CEO, including market trends, regulatory updates, event opportunities, and potential client or partnership leads.

● Confidentiality and Discretion: Handle sensitive business information, client details, and proprietary documents with the highest level of confidentiality and professional discretion.

● General Administrative Support: Perform any other administrative tasks as assigned by the CEO to support the smooth functioning of VPA India’s business operations.

Qualifications and Requirements

● Education: Graduate or final-year student from any education stream (Commerce, Arts, Science, Management, Environmental Studies, or any other discipline). Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.

● Experience: No prior experience required. Candidates with any administrative, secretarial, or office support experience will have an advantage.

● Language Skills: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is essential. Knowledge of Hindi and/or Gujarati is an advantage.

● Computer Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Calendar, Drive). Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams).

● Digital & Marketing Skills: Familiarity with — or willingness to quickly learn — Google Ads campaign setup and management, search engine optimisation (SEO), website content management, and basic design tools (e.g. Canva). Comfort using AI-powered tools (such as Claude) to prepare content, documents, and business development material.

● Interpersonal Skills: Professional demeanour, courteous attitude, and ability to interact confidently with clients and stakeholders at all levels.

● Technology Aptitude: Willingness to learn and use digital tools, AI-powered productivity tools, and document management systems.

● Location: Must be based in or willing to commute to Vadodara, Gujarat, India for in-person working days as required.

Desirable (Not Mandatory)

Awareness or interest in sustainability, environmental issues, carbon markets, or ESG topics. Prior exposure to consultancy or professional services firms. Experience with CRM tools or project management software. Hands-on experience with Google Ads, SEO, website content management systems (e.g. WordPress or Wix), graphic/design tools (Canva, Adobe), or social media and digital marketing. Prior use of AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, or similar) for content or document creation.

What We Offer

● Flexible Schedule: Work hours are flexible (21–42 hours per week) and can be tailored to suit mutual convenience, making this role compatible with academic commitments, other part-time engagements, or personal obligations.

● Paid Sick Time: Paid leave is provided for illness or medical needs.

● Work from Home: The role offers a flexible working arrangement combining in-person presence at the Vadodara office with work-from-home days as mutually agreed.

● Contract Duration: Initial engagement of 6 to 12 months, with possibility of extension based on performance and mutual interest.

● Professional Exposure: Gain firsthand exposure to the rapidly growing global carbon market and sustainability consulting sector, working directly with the CEO.

● Learning Opportunity: Access to a knowledge-rich environment spanning carbon credits, ESG reporting, GHG accounting, BRSR compliance, and biodiversity credits across multiple international standards and registries.

● Mentorship: Direct mentorship from an industry expert with 30 years of experience and international credentials.

● Certificate/Letter of Experience: A formal experience certificate or letter of recommendation will be provided upon successful completion of the engagement.

Application Details

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and include:

● Expected remuneration or stipend.

● Current location.

● Current education status or highest qualification.

● Availability for part-time, contract, freelance, internship or student engagement.

● Earliest joining date.

● Marital status and family details.

● Confirmation of laptop/computer and reliable internet availability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may send their CV/resume along with a brief cover note (in English) to careers@decarbonisation.expert or WhatsApp us at +91 8905541120.

Please mention “Job Application — Secretary & Digital Operations Assistant to CEO. Job Code: 20260707Administration11” in the subject line.