Office Manager, Office of the Secretary-General
£69,305 p/a + benefits
London SW1, Pall Mall
Closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025 at 17:00 BST
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the principal intergovernmental body of the Commonwealth, responsible for advancing and achieving the shared goals of the association’s 56 member governments in advancing democracy, development and respect for diversity.
The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General who, as the Chief Executive of the organisation, is responsible and accountable for overall leadership, management and delivery. There is also a Deputy Secretary-General responsible for the corporate goals and programmes of the Secretariat. The Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General comprise the Management Committee, which supports the Secretary-General in the management of the Secretariat through providing advice and through taking decisions for which the Committee is collectively accountable.
The Office Manager provides administrative support to the Office of the Secretary-General (OSG) and as required to the Offices of the Deputy Secretary-General. The post-holder ensures that the Office of the Secretary-General functions smoothly through managerial oversight of support staff and that the Secretary-General is thus enabled, in both logistical and substantive terms, to carry out his/her functions in a timely and effective manner.
The Office Manager is responsible for the preparation of the wider SGO Division work plan and budget and supports the delivery of representational activities of the Secretary-General. The post-holder is also responsible for the oversight of official matters relating to the Secretary-General’s residence including domestic staff.
Other duties of the role include managing the Secretary-General’s diary, initiating arrangement of all travel required by the Secretary-General and accompanying OSG staff, and contributing to the management of Secretary-General’s correspondence. The successful candidate will also monitor all human resources procedures and compliance reporting requirements for the SGO division, lead in the preparation of SGO division budgets, monitor expenditure, manage procurement for the division, advise the Secretary-General in certain policy areas, and lead the preparation for senior visitors on behalf of the Secretary-General.
To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to have at least 10 years office management or project management experience, particularly in an international context. A professional qualification relating to office management and oversight, an understanding of financial management, and a sound understanding of diplomatic protocol would be highly advantageous.
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.
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.
