Executive Assistant x2

Post Title: Executive Assistant
Team: Executive Office
Ref No: 2026043/44
Grade: O (EO)
Type of appointment: 1x Permanent 1x FTA
This post will have a base in either Peterborough or Aberdeen.

JNCC has adopted a hybrid working approach, allowing colleagues to benefit from time in the office, with the flexibility also to work from home. Employees are expected to work from one of our office bases for a few days a month as a minimum with attendance expected at regular face to face team meetings. Arrangements will vary by team and the exact balance will depend on the nature of your role. We can provide more details at the interview and offer stages.

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1991, we’re the UK’s statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four Governments of the UK. We also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by approx. 300 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

Why JNCC?

We’re small enough (c.300 staff) that your voice is heard by everyone including the CEO, but big enough that we have all the skills, resources and people you’ll need to get the job done. All our staff are passionate about conservation and making a difference to the world we live in. We have a very flexible, inclusive and welcoming organisational culture. Our Executive Management provides employees with the freedom and tools you will need, and our friendly team will assist you in your role. JNCC is committed to maintaining employee health and wellbeing, whether it is physically, emotionally, financially or socially, and offers a range of benefits to support employees in this. Such benefits include the option to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme, professional and personal development opportunities as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.

Hours of work: Full-time

Normal minimum hours of attendance for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday.

Flexi time is available. This post may also be suitable for job share.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave allowance is 25 days per year, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years’ service. There are also 12 days public and privilege leave. Part-time staff will receive this on a pro rata basis.

Post background:

The Executive Assistant is a trusted and proactive professional who provides high-quality administrative and operational support to a Chief Officer, and pooled support to Directors. This role contributes to the smooth running of leadership activities and helps ensure alignment with organisational goals.

Post Duties:

The postholder’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Executive support:

• Anticipate executive needs and proactively manage priorities.
• Manage diaries, travel arrangements, and correspondence as required for the Chief Officer.
• Schedule meetings and coordinate logistics, ensuring timely preparation of agendas, briefings, and minutes following standard processes.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion according to the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Government Classification Statuses.
• Contribute to the effective use of executive time through prioritisation and coordination.
• Support the delivery of assigned executive and non-executive board logistics, including meeting coordination and document preparation.
• Assist in tracking actions and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Deputise for other team members during periods of leave and provide executive administration support to Directors as part of a team.

Communications and stakeholder engagement:

• Draft and format internal and external communications as required.
• Act as a point of contact between the Chief Officer and internal/external stakeholders.
• Support consistent messaging and information flow across the leadership team and internal stakeholders.

Project and event support:

• Provide proactive support for key programmes and initiatives.
• Assist in planning and coordinating strategic events and engagements.
• Monitor progress and escalate issues where necessary.

Quality service and process improvement:

• Maintain relevant systems and internal processes.
• Identify opportunities for improving administrative efficiency.
• Support procurement and contract oversight as required.
• Contribute to a positive organisational culture.

This job description is subject to change, in response to the evolving needs of the organisation and its objectives.

Technical:

To be a successful candidate you will be/have:

• Highly competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook and Teams.

Experience (Responsibilities)

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with a proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with varying deadlines and priorities in a busy work environment.
• Experience in executive-level administration, including managing schedules for senior executives or leadership teams, providing secretariat support for meetings, tracking actions, and ensuring timely follow-ups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ideally with experience of drafting correspondence and minuting meetings or with equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to present clear, concise, and coherent information.
• Ability to build strong, effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders at all levels, adapting support to meet diverse needs.

Behaviours:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Changing and Improving.

Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals JNCC do not provide sponsorship.

Closing date and interview date

The closing date for this post is 12:00 on Tuesday, 11 August 2026
The anticipated interview date is week commencing Monday, 17 August 2026