About the job

Job summary

Based Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park  

Every day, FCDO Services works to help protect people, information and assets all over the world. Supporting government-level customers, we offer a diverse range of services from secure logistics to construction to expertise in cyber security, and more. So whether it’s making a delivery of secure technology across continents, repairing embassies hit by flooding, or helping a government install new secure communications, we’re constantly at work to help protect the UK’s interests both at home and overseas. 

It goes without saying, therefore, that life supporting our directors is both fast-paced and full of opportunities to make an impact. That kind of diary management needs someone with an impeccable eye for detail and someone who’s an exceptional communicator.

Adapt to change - and change your outlook

Our work is tied to international affairs, and that means being ready for change, with the calm flexibility to reprioritise and rearrange at any time. Considering the vast range of vital services and projects we’re involved in worldwide, our director’s diary is always a live document; one that’s continually changing and needs constant management. Naturally, that makes the role challenging, but if you’ve got the exceptional organisation skills, the experience of electronic diary management, and the drive to stay on your toes, it’s hugely rewarding.

Communicate clearly with customers at the very highest levels

Job description

As one of our Executive Assistant’s, you’re in an incredibly visible position: you’ll be a direct point of contact for everyone from the most senior colleagues to external stakeholders across government. With that in mind, you’ve got to be a born communicator. Whether it’s conversation or correspondence, you’re clear, accurate and persuasive in everything you do. You collaborate well with both colleagues and customers and at the same time, you’re brilliant at taking information on board too. You listen to complex data and conversations, treat it all with confidentiality, and create accurate briefings, minutes and reports from what you learn. 

Provide team support and find support to take your career higher

You’ll be there to provide invaluable support and to help us keep everything running smoothly. But we’ll be there to support you too, making sure you’re able to progress your career and realise your ambitions. You’ll also enjoy great benefits here, 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. 

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.

Hanslope Park based posts attract a Location Allowance of £1,750 per annum.

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.

Person specification

Essential:
• Experience in an EA, administrative role or similar supporting a senior principal
• Strong communication skills – written and verbal. 
• Highly organised, with excellent time management, attention to detail and ability to apply 
project management principals 
• 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 
• Ability to stay calm under pressure, and flex priorities and prioritise work effectively to meet 
tight deadlines under minimal supervision
• Understanding of and ability to provide high levels of customer service to internal and external 
stakeholders
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,392, FCDO Services contributes £1,051 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Interviews will be conducted using a mixture of Behaviours and Job Specific questions and a Job specific exercise.

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.

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.