Executive Assistant (EA) – Home Office via AMS Skills Creation

AMS; Croydon; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

A government department in Croydon is seeking a proactive Executive Assistant to support senior civil servants. The role involves managing complex calendars, preparing reports, and coordinating executive meetings. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience in handling sensitive information. This position includes a structured training program aimed at enhancing essential skills for effective performance. Flexible working options and opportunities for learning and development are available.

Qualifications

• Proficient in managing complex calendars for senior stakeholders.
• Experienced in drafting and managing correspondence with professionalism.
• Ability to coordinate executive-level meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex calendars and schedules for senior civil servants.
• Prepare reports and correspondence, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Support cross-organisational initiatives and project delivery.

Skills

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office

Ability to manage competing priorities

Experience handling sensitive information

Knowledge of government or public sector operations

Familiarity with digital collaboration tools

Job description

Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO) or equivalent

Job Purpose

The Home Office is committed to keeping citizens safe and the country secure. From reducing crime and protecting borders to supporting the most vulnerable, our work is among the most challenging and rewarding in government. Within this mission, our Commercial Directorate manages approximately £3bn in third-party spend and supports significant grant awards, making it one of the most dynamic procurement environments in the UK public sector.

We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Executive Assistant to support our Senior Civil Servants (SCS), Chief of Staff, and Business Manager. This role is pivotal in enabling leadership to focus on strategic priorities by managing day-to-day logistics, communications, and coordination. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team at a transformative moment for the Commercial function, contributing to service improvement and operational excellence.

The role includes participation in a comprehensive 4-week training program as part of the job responsibilities. This structured training is designed to build the essential skills and knowledge required to perform effectively, covering executive support best practices, internal systems, communication protocols, and strategic coordination techniques.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Diary Support

• Manage complex calendars for up to 8 SCS1s, including forward planning and weekly check-ins
• Book travel, accommodation, and desk space; maintain leave trackers and rota schedules
• Prepare, format, and review reports, presentations, and correspondence
• Process expenses and maintain digital records

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Act as first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including senior government officials
• Manage inboxes and allocate tasks using category tools and assignment plans
• Draft and manage correspondence with professionalism and discretion
• Support ESLT booking requests and provide cover for Higher Executive Assistant when needed

Information & Project Coordination

• Maintain and update SharePoint links, org charts, access permissions, and expenses trackers
• Coordinate executive-level meetings and organisation-wide events
• Prepare agendas, distribute materials, take minutes, and follow up on action items
• Support cross-organisational initiatives and small project delivery

Governance & Secretariat Duties

• Provide secretariat support for governance boards and CAB Chair rota
• Manage delegation letters and ensure timely updates
• Attend in-person meetings to assist with logistics and IT setup

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Experience handling sensitive information
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders
• Knowledge of government or public sector operations
• Familiarity with digital collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams, OneDrive)
• Experience supporting governance or board-level meetings
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Flexible working options
• Learning and development opportunities