Executive assistant

With the development of a new corporate strategy, Christian Aid is now moving into a very exciting period of change where it will strive to have even greater impact on eradicating global poverty and social injustice through the implementation of Partnership for Change. The Finance and Operations department (FOD) plays a critical role in building the organisation’s capability in a range of areas including governance and risk management, in financial and operational oversight and in delivering technology solutions; key capabilities identified as essential to implement the new corporate strategy successfully.

The post holder will provide critical support to the Director of Finance and Operations alongside wider assistance to the heads of the key functional teams within the department. The post holder will ensure the smooth and efficient administration of department systems and processes including a range of governance matters linked to the various sub-committees of the Board and its subsidiary undertakings. The post holder will provide daily support to the Director - FOD including diary management, preparation support for meetings, compiling agendas, taking minutes and booking of travel. The post holder will also undertake specific projects to support the work of the department teams of Finance, Audit and Risk Management, ICT, Supporter Relations, Facilities and Procurement. This will offer the post holder an opportunity to widen their experience and skills beyond their administrative responsibilities to the Director – FOD.

This is a great opportunity to engage in the work of the department as a whole and play a key part in supporting and strengthening our ways of working.

You will need to be educated to degree level or equivalent with sound knowledge of Office programmes including MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel. You will need to have knowledge of financial software, record keeping and budget monitoring. Have considerable relevant experience of secretarial/administrative support at a senior level, preferably within a financial or legal environment; significant experience of minute taking and report writing; excellent verbal and written communicator and experienced team worker.

You must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion when managing internal and external relationships at a senior level; have strong interpersonal skills and ability to negotiate and influence at all levels; experience of diary management and travel arrangements; able to work proactively, initiate and manage projects within agreed guidelines and be able to work under pressure and deliver against agreed deadlines

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Innovation and creativity

Please describe a situation where you came up with an improved approach to getting work done or addressing an issue. What made you consider modifying/ implementing a new way of doing things?

Attention to detail

Tell us about a situation where you considered multiple sources/approaches of information to ensure that all aspects of a question were addressed. How did using multiple sources/approaches improve the result of your work?

Customer focus

Tell us about a time when you took steps to improve the service being provided to a client. What service was being provided and how did you go about improving it?

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan, and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

As this post is UK based, non-EC nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK.

Download the role profile (112 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed UK & Ireland application form to: recruitment@christian-aid.org  (quoting the reference number). Alternatively, your completed application form can be printed out and posted to us at:

Christian Aid 
35 Lower Marsh 
Waterloo 
London SE1 7RT

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Job reference: 363/OK

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Tuesday 13 November 2012

Interview date: Wednesday 21 November 2012

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.