About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting time to join RBG Kew as we deliver our Science Strategy 2021-2025. Science has always been the heart of RBG Kew’s purpose. With over 500 members of staff and students, Kew Science has an extensive research programme. Our collections, our people and our partnerships enable us to make an invaluable and highly relevant contribution to some of the biggest issues facing the global population, such as biodiversity loss and climate change. We do this through research, conservation, training, and inspiring others about the importance of plant and fungal science.

Job description

We are looking to appoint a competent individual as Personal Assistant (PA) to support of Deputy Director of Science (Partnerships), whose portfolio includes Kew’s Commercial Innovation Unit, Higher Education and Training team, Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, and Interdisciplinary Research. The postholder will be a key member of our Senior Science Support Team, working with the existing group of PAs to other members of the Science senior management. The role will also involve administrative support relating to external visitors to the scientific collections and our Honorary Research Associates.

Person specification

This role will suit those who have a background in supporting senior managers, excellent time management skills and strong attention to detail. We are looking for someone with previous PA experience, proven ability to work on their own initiative, and who proactively plans and follows-up on actions arising. You will also bring outstanding interpersonal skills with a proven ability to engage with people at all levels and build working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues across the organisation and externally. The role does not require a background in Science.

The role will be based at our Kew Gardens site near Richmond in West London and is part-time for 2 days per week (Mon-Tue or Wed-Thu, with some flexibility), working in a job-share with an existing member of staff).

There will be the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements. 

Benefits

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application via the Kew Gardens website.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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.