At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance processes and provide administrative assistance in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join Harlow District Council, a vibrant local authority with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, valuable experience, and a chance to contribute to community services.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a busy and professional setting.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference in your local community.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
The predicted salary is between 16200 - 21000 £ per year.
Location: Harlow
Full time, Temporary 12 Month Contract
£156.19 PAYE / £200.00 Umbrella
Closing Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) is delighted to be supporting Harlow Council in the recruitment of a Governance Administrator on a temporary contract for up to 12 months. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to work on-site 3 days per week, increasing to 4.
Harlow is a vibrant and growing district with excellent transport links, shopping and leisure facilities. Conveniently located close to the M11 and M25, with direct rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, Harlow offers an excellent environment in which to build your career.
The Role
We are looking for a highly organised and motivated administrator to join the team and provide comprehensive administrative support within the Property Directorate. This is a varied and busy role where you will be responsible for supporting day-to-day administrative activities, coordinating meetings, managing documentation, and ensuring records and governance processes are maintained efficiently. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping the team operate smoothly and effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Organising and scheduling meetings, including booking rooms and coordinating attendees
- Managing calendars and arranging appointments
- Taking accurate minutes during meetings and distributing actions as required
- Preparing, formatting, and proofreading reports, correspondence, and other documentation
- Maintaining electronic and paper filing systems
- Monitoring shared inboxes and responding to enquiries where appropriate
- Updating databases, records, and tracking systems
- Supporting governance and administrative processes across the service
- Liaising with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure deadlines and actions are met
- Providing general administrative support to the wider team
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in an administrative or business support role
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Able to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively
- Confident taking meeting minutes and producing professional documentation
- A strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Reliable, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive local authority environment, gaining valuable experience within a busy and professional team while contributing to the effective delivery of services across Harlow Council.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk
Governance Admin – Harlow District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Admin – Harlow District Council
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Admin – Harlow District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Essex County Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Essex County Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
