Executive Assistant to the Chief of Operations
Job summary
At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.
It goes without saying, therefore, that supporting our directors is full of opportunities to make an impact and requires someone with exceptional communication skills and an impeccable eye for detail.
Supporting national security.
Finding the perfect balance.
Taking pride in your work.
It all matters.
Job description
Work on a wide range of exciting projects
The Chief of Operations (CoO) Office sits at the heart of FCDO Services Operational delivery, providing both personal and operational support to the Chief of Operations to oversee a directorate of approx. 800 staff globally and a complex portfolio of products, services and projects. We act as an interface to the operational senior leadership team and wider business to provide focus and support to maximise impact of the Chief of Operations’ work to deliver effective performance of the operational portfolio.
When you join us you’ll be ready for change, and possess the calm flexibility to reprioritise and rearrange at any time. Considering the vast range of vital operations and services we’re involved in worldwide, supporting the Chief of Operations is always a role which is continually changing and requires priority management. Naturally, that makes the role challenging, but if you’re ready to use your exceptional organisational skills to support a wide range of exciting projects, and have the drive to stay on your toes, it’s hugely rewarding.
Communicate clearly with customers at the very highest levels
As the Executive Assistant to our Chief of Operations you’ll be part of a small busy team, and direct point of contact for everyone from the most senior colleagues to external stakeholders across government. With that in mind, we’ll expect you to be a born communicator, being clear, accurate and persuasive in everything you do. You’ll also collaborate superbly with colleagues and customers, be able to absorb complex data and confidential conversations, and create accurate briefings, minutes and reports to support the effectiveness of the organisation. Your input into projects will help the team meet key milestones. And your brilliant Microsoft Office skills and experience of electronic diary management will mean you’ll hit the ground running in this highly visible, fast-paced role.
Provide team support and find the support to take your career higher
You’ll be there to provide invaluable support and help us keep everything running smoothly. And we’ll be there to support you too in progressing your career and realising your ambitions. You’ll also enjoy great benefits, including flexible working, an on-site nursery, a Civil Service pension, and more. And finally, most importantly, there’s that sense of purpose you’ll feel every day – because you’ll be using your skills to support a business that helps protect people, information and assets across the globe. In short, it all matters.
All our employees have to be security cleared before joining us, so you’ll need to undergo a vetting process if you’re successful in your application. This role would require you to undergo Security Clearance (SC). You can find out more about vetting on our website.
Person specification
We are looking for people with:
- Strong communication skills – written and verbal with experience of minute taking, and the ability to proofread, summarise and communicate complex information.
- Highly organised, with ability to stay calm under pressure and work to deadlines without direct supervision.
- Good judgement, tact and diplomatic skills – ability to deliver difficult messages and maintain the confidence of colleagues at all levels, handling sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Understanding of and ability to provide high levels of customer service to internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal with experience of minute taking, and the ability to proofread, summarise and communicate complex information
- Highly organised, with ability to stay calm under pressure and work to deadlines without direct supervision
- Understanding of and ability to provide high levels of customer service to internal and external stakeholders
- Good judgement, tact and diplomatic skills – ability to deliver difficult messages and maintain the confidence of colleagues at all levels, handling sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal with experience of minute taking, and the ability to proofread, summarise and communicate complex information
- Highly organised, with ability to stay calm under pressure and work to deadlines without direct supervision
- Understanding of and ability to provide high levels of customer service to internal and external stakeholders
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £31,898, FCDO Services contributes £9,240 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.- Learning and development tailored to your role.
- Annual leave starting at 25 days.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- A Civil Service pension.
- Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific questions.
Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.
Your CV should include:
- no personal identifying details
- career history with key responsibilities
- skills and experience
- achievements
- qualifications
Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.
Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.
Those that are successful will be invited to a MS Teams or Face to face interview.
At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical skills and behaviours.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
FCDO Services recruitment is regulated and underpinned by the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. The principles explain the legal requirement that selection for appointment to the Civil Service must be on merit and on the basis of fair and open competition.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact FCDOServices.Recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk in the first instance.
Attachments
Candidate pack - EA to CoO Opens in new window (pdf, 1753kB)Salary range
- £31,898 per year