Executive Assistant

Job Description

Job Category
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)

Job Subcategory
Department for International Trade (DIT)

Job Description

Main purpose of job:
Be a part of the Department for International Trade’s mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK. With a mature, high-spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment, the UK is the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, the second highest investment destination in the world, and the world’s sixth largest exporter and the second largest services exporter.
We employ over 150 people across North America, all united by our vision of a future where we champion open and fair global trading that drives growth, creates better jobs and higher wages, and improves living standards in the UK and around the world. We seek talented team members with a passion and drive to help us promote exports to North America of British goods and services, two-way investment between the UK and North America, and mutual improved market access to help grow our bilateral trade (see www.gov.uk/DIT).
Based at the British Embassy in Washington DC, the Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the US Country Director (50%) and the Director of Investment for North America (50%) in their work to foster economic opportunities for the UK. You will be required to work flexibly across a range of areas and to cover for colleagues as needed.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Provide operational and administrative support including arranging travel, managing schedules, expense processing, report writing and maintaining client and project databases.
• Support for Department for International Trade and Consulate events to foster economic opportunities for the UK.
• Consult with stakeholders to manage and coordinate events (both in person activities and virtual).
• Arrange client meetings, prepare meeting briefs and attend client meetings as needed.
• Assist with reporting on team management targets and support the US Country Director and Director of Investment & Exports on client relationship management needs
• Support high-profile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations through scheduling high-level meetings, organising activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Support forging positive relationships with Canadian and UK business leaders, trade associations, and other key partners.
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy goals.
• Attend key business events occasionally in the evening or early mornings
• Undertake occasional travel in both North America and the UK.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working patterns:

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home 2 or 3 times a week. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Essential on arrival:

• Established experience in an Executive Assistant role, or similar coordination role.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional and helpful manner
• Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to undertake topical research
• Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel within the North America and the UK up to 10% of your time
• Interest and familiarity with both the Canadian and the UK business environments is highly preferred

As a valued member of our team, we will help you to achieve your goals through continuous professional development.

Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent

Application deadline
31 October 2022