Events and Protocol Assistant

Commonwealth Secretariat; London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international organization is seeking an Events and Protocol Assistant to support high-level meetings and events coordination. This role involves extensive travel and the opportunity to work on impactful projects in diverse settings, making it ideal for candidates with a background in International Relations and strong project management skills.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience working in events in an international environment.
• Proven ability to work cohesively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational and protocol arrangements for Commonwealth meetings.
• Assist in managing high-level event logistics and finance support.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Relationship management

Attention to detail

Adaptability under pressure

Education

Undergraduate degree in International Relations or Development Studies

Tools

Virtual events platforms (e.g., Zoom)

Job description

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The Events and Protocol section provides comprehensive coordination for all aspects of pan-Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, and Royal Household engagements in London, across the Commonwealth and in other capitals. The Section is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of all virtual and in-person aspects of these meetings convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Events and Protocol Assistant will support the Head of Events and Protocol as well as the Events and Protocol Managers in managing all aspects of operational and protocol arrangements for Commonwealth Ministerial Meetings and CHOGM as well as other high-level events.

The Events and Protocol Assistant will provide support in project management and delivery, and, where appropriate, coordinate stand-alone projects. The individual will also take responsibility for coordinating events at our head office, Marlborough House. The role involves extensive travel across the Commonwealth, sometimes on short notice and for many weeks at a time, as well as a requirement to work from the office at Marlborough House, and across varying time zones.

Other responsibilities in this role include high level and in-house event and meeting coordination and the provision of administrative and finance support to the team. Please refer to the Job Description for full details.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to have an undergraduate degree in International Relations, Development Studies, or relevant field, and at least three years of experience working in events in an international environment. A proven ability to work cohesively as part of an events team, experience of using virtual events platforms such as Zoom, strong communication and relationship management skills, the ability to work on your own initiative and make decisions in challenging circumstances, and attention to detail and ability to work and adapt under pressure are also required.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policy making, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development.

If you feel that you are suitable for this role, please apply by submitting a CV and Covering Letter. Covering Letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the Job Description, giving clear examples.

To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

Closing date: Wednesday 11 June 2025 at 17:00 BST