At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate international board meetings and provide high-level executive support.
- Company: Award-winning think tank shaping European foreign and security policy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and dynamic entrepreneurial culture.
- Other info: Part-time role with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious organisation and work with influential policymakers and academics.
- Qualifications: Experience in international environments and strong relationship management skills.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Executive Assistant to join a highly respected, award-winning pan-European think tank operating at the forefront of European foreign and security policy. For almost 20 years, this organisation has brought together policymakers, academics, activists and senior political figures to promote informed debate and shape values-led European policy. With approximately 120 employees across Europe and a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture, the organisation combines intellectual rigour with the pace and agility of a start-up environment.
This role will suit a highly accomplished Senior EA with experience operating within international academic institutions, embassies, foreign ministries, diplomatic organisations, global universities or similarly complex, stakeholder-heavy environments. Working closely with senior leadership and alongside an existing Senior EA, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating international board activity across six European entities, while providing high-level executive and logistical support in an environment involving academics, former Prime Ministers, senior policymakers and European councillors.
The Role
This is a varied and highly visible position combining senior executive support, international board coordination and compliance-related responsibilities across multiple European jurisdictions. A key part of the role will involve organising approximately eight board meetings annually across London, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Paris and Warsaw. These meetings involve senior external board members and high-profile stakeholders, requiring exceptional diplomacy, discretion and relationship management skills.
Responsibilities will include:
- Complex international diary and travel management across multiple time zones
- Coordinating and delivering international board meetings from planning through to completion
- Organising venues, travel, accommodation and meeting logistics across Europe
- Preparing and distributing board papers and meeting documentation
- Liaising confidently with senior academics, policymakers and high-ranking officials
- Ensuring local meeting formalities and governance requirements are adhered to across different European jurisdictions
- Minute taking and meeting follow-up actions
- Supporting the coordination of larger Main Board meetings and Annual Councils alongside the existing Senior EA
- Managing stakeholder engagement with tact, patience and professionalism
- Working proactively to secure attendance and commitments from senior external board members with demanding schedules, having all details finalised 6 months before the board meetings are due to take place
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a polished and highly credible Senior EA who thrives in intellectually driven, international environments and is confident operating with senior stakeholders.
Senior Executive Assistant employer: Public Sector
Join a prestigious pan-European think tank in Fitzrovia, London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and entrepreneurial culture that values intellectual rigour and agility. As a Senior Executive Assistant, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive pro-rata salary, and the opportunity to engage with high-profile stakeholders across Europe, all while contributing to meaningful discussions on foreign and security policy. The organisation fosters a collaborative work environment that prioritises employee growth and offers unique exposure to influential policymakers and academics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Executive Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Executive Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or be able to refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your diplomacy skills! Since this role involves liaising with high-profile stakeholders, think of scenarios where you might need to manage difficult conversations or navigate complex relationships. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and connect with potential employers. Plus, it shows you're serious about landing that Senior EA gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Executive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Executive Assistant role. Highlight your experience in international environments and any relevant stakeholder management you've done.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your diplomacy and relationship management skills.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to manage complex diaries and travel arrangements. Give examples of how you've successfully coordinated meetings or events in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Executive Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like international diary management and board meeting coordination. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Diplomacy Skills
Given the high-profile nature of this position, it's crucial to highlight your diplomacy and relationship management skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder interactions or managed sensitive situations. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of working with senior policymakers and academics.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and organisational skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in coordinating international meetings or managing conflicting schedules. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Since this role involves liaising across multiple European jurisdictions, showcasing your cultural awareness is key. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences you've had working in diverse environments or with international teams. This will highlight your adaptability and understanding of different cultural nuances, which is essential for this position.
