Environment Group Executive Assistant - Business Administration Level 3 Apprenticeship

Are you looking for a role that offers personal development and career progression?

Do you want to be at the heart of a team tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time?

Do you thrive in fast‑paced environments where no two days are the same?

Are you highly organised, with an eye for detail and a passion for making things run smoothly?

Do you want to learn on the job whilst undertaking an apprenticeship to gain a qualification in Business Management?

If yes, then please read on…

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has a number of vacancies across various directorates within Environment Group. This group covers a broad portfolio of domestic and international environmental policies – spanning land, air and sea – and offers varied, rewarding roles with the opportunity to both understand the breadth of the department and make a real difference to the long‑term future of our planet.

While there are currently 4 roles available for this vacancy, we aim to establish a reserve list of successful candidates. Those placed on the reserve list will remain eligible for appointment for up to 12 months. Offers of employment will be made in merit order as vacancies arise across relevant business areas.

As an Executive Assistant, you’ll provide comprehensive support to one or more Director or Deputy Directors and their wider teams, helping ensure their divisions run smoothly and efficiently.

In many instances you will be the first point of contact and will need to be confident in engaging with internal and external colleagues to field queries and build relationships. The role calls for a highly organised individual who takes responsibility, works independently, is innovative and offers their own ideas.

This is a great opportunity to gain insight into the breadth of work delivered across Defra, develop an understanding of environmental policy, and build awareness of Defra Group priorities and wider drivers for change.

Alongside the role, you’ll undertake a business management apprenticeship, with time allocated for study online.

Your apprenticeship will be guided by your dedicated line manager, who will support your development by regularly reviewing your progress in performance meetings, in line with our probation policy and established procedures.

Your potential for continued employment is closely linked to the successful completion of your apprenticeship. This apprenticeship provides a well‑structured learning experience, where you will have the opportunity to achieve a level 3 qualification upon successfully concluding the programme.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have the skills, knowledge and behaviours to undertake the responsibilities below.

• Organisational support and ensuring the smooth running of the Director/Deputy Director’s day to day business and engagement across the Directorate/Division
• Managing all meetings and diary requests for the Director/Deputy Director/s and any associated meetings they are chairing/organising
• Continuous monitoring of the Director/Deputy Director’s inbox with prioritisation of incoming emails, flagging urgent matters at the earliest and appropriate moment, and responding accurately within deadlines.
• Working with Director/Deputy Directors to ensure they are adequately prepared for meetings (e.g. preparing briefing packs)
• Providing expert insights to the Director/Deputy Director’s preferences in terms of time and workload management, working with multiple contacts to ensure that expectations are met.
• Logistics support including booking meeting rooms, travel and accommodation for Director/Deputy Director and wider team as appropriate.
• Proactively working with colleagues internally and across Government on delivering other tasks, actions and commissions, ensuring successful and timely delivery as requested.
• Working effectively as a member of the wider Executive Assistant Team supporting colleagues through sharing of experience best practice and providing cover when required.

This is not an exhaustive list but gives a good feel for the role. You may be asked to work flexibly and deliver work outside of the above job description to support the Director/Deputy Director as well as the wider team. There is an opportunity for the successful post holders to shape their role and to contribute to team and directorate level initiatives. In this role you will be an important member of the wider team who will both support you and rely on you as a valuable colleague. Further you will be expected to promote civil service values and will be encouraged to take part in directorate and department‑wide initiatives.