Executive Assistant, Africa Coverage in London

British International Investment (BII) is the UK’s leading development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government. Our primary mission is to address global development challenges through strategic investments that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. BII focuses on catalysing economic development, creating jobs, and building resilient economies in some of the world's most complex and underserved markets. We invest in businesses and projects that prioritise inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

Our approach is characterised by rigorous investment standards, high governance principles, and a commitment to delivering measurable development impact. Our team consists of highly skilled and passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference globally. We foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment that values curiosity, innovation, and professional growth. Our culture balances high performance with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, ensuring our employees can achieve their full potential while contributing to our mission.

BII at a glance:

• Over 75 years supporting sustainable business growth in developing and emerging markets
• More than £9.9 billion in net assets
• 1,600+ businesses invested in
• 950,000+ workers in the businesses we support
• 650+ people in our diverse global team

Team and role overview:

The Managing Director, Head of Africa is based in our London office and requires the support of a highly talented Executive Assistant. In addition to supporting the Directors as part of the Africa Coverage team, this EA will work closely with the Business Manager and members of the Africa Coverage Business Support Team (BST) to deliver and contribute towards the Africa Teams goals.

Purpose:

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive and efficient EA support to 1 MD and several Directors. Work will include extensive and complex diary and inbox management, travel management, expenses, coordination and preparation of team meeting agendas and other administrative duties. Due to the changing priorities of BII and ambiguity around our business, the candidate needs to be resilient with the ability to be flexible, robust and support the fast-paced changes as required.

Responsibilities:

• Provide full EA support to Managing Director, Head of Africa and two additional Directors which comprises of extensive and proactive diary management, inbox management, organising complex travel and monthly expenses.
• Light out of hours support when MD is travelling in region.
• Work closely with the Business Manager for Africa Coverage and collaborate to deliver on projects and day to day responsibilities required by the MD, Head of Africa.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with in-market BST members and Senior Leadership Team to support cross team collaboration and operational effectiveness.
• Develop a strong internal network with Senior EAs, Company Secretariat, and OCIO colleague.
• Represent the MD, Head of Africa with professionalism. Fully understand the priorities of team and be the ambassador to the organisation when interacting both internally and externally with key contacts.
• A demonstrable attitude towards managing highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and integrity. Confidentiality is imperative.
• Manage all internal and external meetings and calls in Microsoft Outlook to capture all time zones, prioritising and re-arranging where necessary.
• Coordinate and organise conferences including large events that take place each year (with virtual smaller events). Working alongside other BST members.
• Responsible for coordinating MD’s attendance to Committees and other high-profile meetings.
• Upload, collate and obtain sign off for all invoices relating to Africa Coverage across all Regional offices.
• Other ad-hoc administrative duties as required, such as settling new starters, supporting their onboarding and updating internal webpages.
• Conduct research, prepare newsletters and manage internal website (Sydney).

The candidate:

• Advanced business support and heavy diary and inbox management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Advanced abilities to manage complex travel and visa application processing for multiple geographies.
• Attention to detail including confidence with numerical data.
• Proactivity – be able to see one step ahead and pre-empt potential challenges and areas of opportunity.
• Excellent communication skills and high level of written English.
• Ability to work under pressure and an understanding of the importance of prioritising work and seeking assistance from colleagues when necessary.
• Confident, proactive, cheerful and resourceful team-player both for immediate team and wider BST.
• Sensitive to the cultural diversity within BII and its investees/investment geographies.
• Experience arranging and managing travel itineraries that may change at short notice.
• Experience in supporting senior management.
• Experience in supporting two members of senior management with competing priorities.

Technical Skills:

• Expert in Microsoft Outlook, TEAMS, Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
• Proven experience in managing and submitting expense claims.

Candidates should be strongly motivated by BII’s development mission and ideally demonstrate some commitment to development or social goals through previous executive or non-executive activity.

Our cultural values:

• Impact-led, commercially rigorous
• Tenacious in the face of challenges
• Collaborative and caring

British International Investment is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.

Please provide a cover letter with your application.