Personal Assistant to the Chief Scientist - 20412

1
South West
Bristol
Horizon House
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Full Time
Administration / Corporate Support
£24,213
If you thrive on a challenge, in a dynamic and fast paced organisation, we’re offering a fantastic opportunity as Personal Assistant to the Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist.

You’ll use your initiative and organisation skills to effectively manage the Chief Scientist’s email, calendar, and travel arrangements, making sure they are in the right place, at the right time, with the right information.

You’ll maintain effective action logs and bring-forward systems to ensure commitments are met. You’ll be scheduling meetings, compiling agendas, and take meeting notes and minutes.

You’ll need to be one step ahead, and deal with ever-changing priorities and deadlines with a calm common-sense approach, and “yes I can” attitude. You’ll be liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, research organisations, and academic institutions.

You will work closely with the Chief Scientist’s Group Leadership Team, the wider department of over 120 colleagues and develop wider networks across the Agency.

You will be part of the Chief Scientist’s Office, a small team that support and coordinate the activities of the Chief Scientist. You will be expected to provide occasional cover for other PA's in the team, helping to support our two Deputy Directors.
The Chief Scientist's Group leads on science, research, analysis and evaluation for the Environment Agency.
Led by Doug Wilson, Environment Agency Chief Scientist, we work closely with others across the organisation to identify the evidence needed to support the business of the Environment Agency. Our teams identify gaps and emerging trends, source the evidence, and translate and communicate it in a compelling way to provide confidence in the decisions that we take.
Ideally, you’ll have a minimum of 2 years’ Director-level PA experience in a fast-paced environment. You’ll be a quick thinker educated to at least A level standard and, preferably, an additional business administration or professional secretarial qualification.

Excellent communication skills are essential, as are Microsoft Office skills (including SharePoint) and general computer literacy.

You’ll be experienced at scheduling meetings, compiling agendas, minute-taking, and progressing actions, and analysing data and creating charts.

You’ll need to demonstrate that you can manage your own workload, while maintaining a sense of humour, and finding the time to help colleagues.

You’ll be an inclusive team member with experience of collaborating with staff at all levels. You must be willing to work collaboratively and help others to achieve team goals and provide a resilient service.

You must be experienced in problem-solving within a framework of processes and procedures.
The Chief Scientist is based in Bristol but the role may involve occasional travel.

You will be encouraged to develop yourself both on the job and through off the job activities such as a role in one of our people focused networks. There will be plenty of opportunity to use your initiative, develop your skills and take on new challenges.

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be interviewing face-to-face at this time. All interviews will be conducted remotely via MS Teams. Further information will be provided to candidates in advance of interviews.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Bev Waller on 07776 162378

14/12/2021, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Achieves Results
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

Please describe a situation when you were asked to do something daunting. How did you go about it?
Communicates Effectively
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively through speech and writing

Provide an example of where you have used your communication skills and style to win someone (or people) over.
Manages Self
Has full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact, and approach. Effectively organises self and takes personal responsibility for own role in the Environment Agency.

Tell us about a job or experience that you would describe as a real learning experience. What personal strengths and weaknesses helped and hindered this, and how have they influenced your training and development plan?
Uses Initiative
Takes action before and/or beyond what is required, owning the outcome.

Please describe a time when you have added value to your work, over and above what was asked for or expected by the customer for that work.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.