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- Tasks: Manage the COO's diary, organise travel, and provide administrative support.
- Company: Chatham House, Europe's leading international policy think tank.
- Benefits: 37 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and support impactful international policy initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in diary management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 56000 £ per year.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute for International Affairs, is the leading international policy think tank in Europe. We are seeking to hire an Executive Assistant (EA) to support our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Si Flanagan.
The EA will be primarily responsible for the management of the COO's diary, correspondence and support day-to-day activities. Please note that this is not a research role; the Executive Assistant will primarily focus on providing administrative support within the Director's Office.
What you will do:
- Proactively manage the complex and busy diary of the COO, ensuring that meetings and engagements are appropriately and sensitively prioritised and support the strategic direction of the institute.
- Ensure COO is fully prepared for all meetings and events, providing relevant papers and key talking points.
- Organise complex international and domestic travel, including hotel bookings, flights, airport transfers, visas and detailed itineraries.
- Act as a gatekeeper, representing the executive internally and externally and responding to queries to the Director’s Office in a timely manner.
What we’re looking for:
- Confident EA with proven experience in complex travel arrangements and diary management for C-Suite level principals.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, and proven ability to identify priorities and actions efficiently and effectively.
- High emotional intelligence and able to tailor communication to the situation with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise competing demands, take initiative and anticipate needs and challenges, staying flexible when circumstances change.
Benefits:
Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.
Salary: £40,000 per year.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent. This role is expected to start in April 2026.
Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), usually 3-4 days in the office per week.
Application closing date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 23:59 GMT.
Interviews: Interviews will take place at Chatham House on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) employer: Chatham House
Contact Detail:
Chatham House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Chatham House on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common EA scenarios. Think about how you'd manage a busy diary or handle last-minute travel changes. We want you to show off your organisational skills and emotional intelligence!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you get that interview, make sure you look sharp. First impressions matter, especially in a professional environment like Chatham House. Confidence starts with how you present yourself.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in diary management and travel arrangements. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of our COO, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires excellent written communication, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use a friendly yet professional tone, and remember to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed competing demands in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks effortlessly, so share those experiences that demonstrate your organisational prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chatham House
✨Master the Diary Management
Since the role involves managing a complex diary, make sure to highlight your experience in this area. Prepare examples of how you've successfully prioritised meetings and managed schedules for busy executives in the past.
✨Showcase Your Travel Coordination Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with organising travel arrangements. Share specific instances where you’ve handled complex itineraries, including flights, accommodations, and transfers, to demonstrate your attention to detail and organisational prowess.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
This role requires high emotional intelligence, so think about how you can showcase this during the interview. Prepare to discuss situations where you've tailored your communication style to suit different stakeholders or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Prepare for Flexibility Questions
Given the dynamic nature of the role, be prepared to answer questions about how you handle changing priorities. Share examples of when you've had to adapt quickly to new demands and how you maintained efficiency under pressure.