Executive Assistant - CDDO

As an Executive Assistant in CDDO you will be exposed to decision making from the most senior leaders in the civil service and government. The role is a challenging one with a high level of exposure and responsibility.

As a Executive Assistant you’ll:

• Support the Senior Leadership Team to ensure their diary runs smoothly and is the most effective use of their time and their email inbox is in order
• Arrange meetings, phone calls and events with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage core office functions and processes, including the coordination of a daily information pack and weekly forward look note
• Support the day-to-day running of the Directorate
• Manage incoming requests in a timely and professional manner;  
• Provide Secretariat support where appropriate, largely to internal meetings within your directorate
• Ensure the office adheres to proprietary guidelines by managing transparency returns and by tracking and archiving expenses
• Develop strong relationships with all stakeholders, including officials within the department, in other government departments and external stakeholders
• Work with the Senior Executive Assistant to identify opportunities to continuously improve the workings of the Directorate, drawing on feedback from the Senior Leadership Team and other colleagues
• Support the Senior Executive Assistant to understand, articulate and progress priorities, within your directorate;
• Keep an action log of briefings, submissions and decisions to be made within your directorate, and work with the Senior Private Secretary to ensure high quality tracking of information across the organisation
• Support domestic or overseas visits, including travel arrangements (when applicable)
• Supporting the teams with Ad-Hoc duties

Who you'll be

This role requires:

• People with strong interpersonal skills who enjoy working in a delivery focused, agile environment. We’re looking for people who care about technology and who know how to make products, policies and services succeed
• Administration and support skills, with strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate concisely and coherently to a wide variety of audiences
• Participation with working with a wide range of stakeholders in a challenging and fast-paced environment
• Experience of managing a busy diary and the ability to work with a sense of urgency is desirable
• Involvement with handling sensitive information, displaying tact and diplomacy and maintaining confidentiality
• The ability to adapt these skills to a digital and agile working environment
• Ability to use Google’s G Suite office apps and an Apple Mac computer

Additional Information

The selection process as a standard for all of our CDDO roles consists of:

• An application screening process - Simply, hit apply. We only ask for a Cover letter (up to 750 words and a CV. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “who you’ll be” section above.
• An interview - We will asses you against the behaviours (Working together and Managing a quality service) Strengths (Relationship builder and Efficient) and possibly experience. 

If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role).

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

Candidates that do not pass the interview, however, have demonstrated an acceptable standard will be considered for similar roles at a lower grade. 

Security level for the role; This role requires BPSS security clearance. If further clearance is required in the future, you will be expected to complete this. Further details are outlined in Security vetting for employees.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. For further information see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prison-leavers-project-improving-outcomes-for-prison-leavers