Executive Support Assistant (Civic and Political)

Norfolk County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an Executive Support Assistant to provide administrative support to senior leadership, manage diary schedules, and coordinate civic events. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office. This role offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements, located primarily at County Hall in Norwich.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Health and Wellbeing services

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing support to senior leadership in high-pressure environments.
• Knowledge of civic activities and protocols is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver administrative and PA support to senior and civic leaders.
• Manage diaries, email correspondence, and requests for efficient workload management.
• Coordinate National Awards and Honours Nominations.
• Assist in planning and organising Civic events.
• Draft, review and send responses adhering to discretion.

Skills

Proficiency in ICT, particularly with the MS Office suite software

Strong communication and problem-solving abilities

Diplomacy and discretion

Experience providing support to senior leadership

Ability to draft and prepare written responses

Job description

Overview

Executive Support Assistant (Civic and Political) | 9032 | Permanent Contract | 37 hours per week | £31,537 - £33,699 per annum | Scale G | Norwich

This position provides direct administrative support to Senior and Civic Leadership Officers, assisting with workload management and maintaining standards of professionalism and customer service. The primary responsibility is to offer Executive / PA Support to the council’s Civic figureheads, including the Chair of the Council and the Lieutenancy office, and to coordinate arrangements for civic events.

Responsibilities

• Deliver administrative and PA support to senior and civic leaders.
• Manage diaries, email correspondence, and deadlines; review and prioritise requests to ensure efficient workload management.
• Coordinate National Awards and Honours Nominations.
• Assist with the planning and organisation of Civic events, collaborating with other services and teams to ensure proper protocol and arrangements are met.
• Draft, review and send responses to invitations and correspondence, adhering to discretion and confidentiality requirements.
• Conduct research and carry out small projects as needed, documenting outcomes appropriately.
• Establish working relationships with stakeholders inside and outside the organisation and represent the interests of the Civic/Senior Leadership team.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proficiency in ICT, particularly with the MS Office suite software.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, with attention to accuracy under pressure.
• Diplomacy, discretion and ability to collaborate with staff and the public.
• Demonstrated experience providing support to senior leadership and effectively managing interactions in demanding and high-pressure environments.
• Able to draft and prepare written responses and documents with accurate spelling and grammar.
• Capability to support the planning of events and manage multiple diaries and workstreams.
• Knowledge of civic activities and protocols, preferably with experience relating to the Lieutenancy office, similar institutions, or uniformed services.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working is available; the main location is County Hall, with flexible office or event attendance as needed.
• This role requires adaptability, professionalism, initiative and alignment with the Council’s values, including accountability, trust, inclusive and ambition.
• The postholder will be expected to safeguard vulnerable groups and maintain high customer care standards.

Application Guidance

Applicants interested in civic activity and experienced in providing professional support in dynamic environments are encouraged to apply for the Executive Assistant (Civic and Political) role.

If you would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Sarah Mendham: [e-mail]

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
• Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependant on your job role and business need
• Financial benefits such as: Norfolk Rewards discounts program for groceries, clothes, holidays, etc.
• A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
• Relocation expenses (where applicable)
• An advance of expenses for travel
• Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions
• Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
• Access to tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel (subject to eligibility)
• A referral payment for hard-to-fill vacancies

Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria. You can also find information on our Terms and Conditions here.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for internal and external vacancies in myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.

We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.

Redeployment closing date: 7th October 2025 at 23:59

All other applicants closing date: 14th October 2025 at 23:59