Secretary & Assistant to CEO

Job Title: Secretary & Assistant to CEO
Job Code: 20260707Administration11
Company: VPA India | www.decarbonisation.expert
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat, India (In-Person & Flexible)
Job Location Type: In person and flexible/hybrid, with work-from-home option for suitable tasks
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time / Contract / Temporary / Freelance / Internship / Student Job
Expected Hours: 7–21 hours per week
Engagement Duration: Initial engagement of 6 months, with the possibility of extension or permanent/ongoing association based on performance, mutual interest and business requirements.
Probation / Initial Assessment Period: Up to 6 months, where applicable
Education Requirement: Engineering, Science, Management, Environmental Studies, or any other discipline
Preferred Education Streams: Computer Science, Information Technology and any other related stream
Experience: 0–40+ years; responsibilities and remuneration will be aligned with demonstrated capability and engagement type
Reports to: Vijay Patel, CEO

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 & Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative, organisational, and communication support to the CEO on a flexible basis. 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.

Full-time, part-time and other engagement arrangements may be considered; expected hours and responsibilities will be agreed according to the selected engagement type.

Key Responsibilities

• Online Marketing: Supporting the management and review of Google Ads campaigns, including Search and Performance Max campaigns, as assigned.

• 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 or spaces, skills and custom or project instructions 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

• 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 and can be tailored to suit mutual convenience, making this role compatible with academic commitments, other part-time engagements, or personal obligations.

• 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.

• Engagement Duration: Initial engagement of 6 months, with the possibility of extension or permanent/ongoing association based on performance, mutual interest and business requirements.

• 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.

• Equal-opportunity: Applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds are welcome. Selection will be based on qualifications, skills, experience and role fit.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV with the following details:

• Your current monthly CTC, remuneration or stipend, if applicable.

• Your expected monthly CTC, remuneration or stipend.

• Are you willing to work on a part-time basis for remuneration of up to ₹7,000 per month?

• Are you willing to consider a part-time, performance-based engagement without a fixed salary?

• Please indicate which remuneration arrangement(s) you are willing to consider: (a) fixed remuneration of up to ₹7,000 per month; (b) performance-based incentives only; or (c) a combination of fixed remuneration and performance-based incentives.

• Current location.

• Current education status or highest qualification.

• Education branch.

• Preferred job type: full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, freelance, internship or student job.

• Earliest joining date.

• Marital status, photographs and family details.

• Confirmation of laptop/computer and reliable internet availability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may send their CV/resume, along with the details requested in the Application Instructions, to the following email address: careers@decarbonisation.expert

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

Notes: Only candidates who provide all information requested in the Application Instructions will be considered for the next stage of the selection process. The selection process may include a telephone interview, video interview and in-person interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.