At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch secretarial support and manage the Head of Communities' diary and correspondence.
- Company: Join a large public sector body in Lisburn with a focus on community services.
- Benefits: Earn £16.90 per hour for 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable administrative experience.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade A-C or NVQ level 2, plus 2 years of relevant admin experience.
The predicted salary is between 16.9 - 16.9 £ per hour.
Vanrath are recruiting for a Senior Administration Assistant on behalf of a large public sector body in Lisburn on a temporary basis.
What's in it for you?
- 37 hours Monday to Friday
- Temporary
- £16.90ph
About your next employer
The post holder is responsible for the provision of a confidential, comprehensive secretarial and administration service for the Head of Communities responsible for Arts, Culture, Community Services, Community Planning, PEACE and Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP). This role requires regular communication and interaction with Elected Members, Senior Officers and a wide range of external stakeholders.
What you'll do
- Provide confidential and comprehensive secretarial support for the Head of Communities.
- Compile and collate reports and minutes to meet strict deadlines e.g. in relation to the Head of Communities Monthly reports to the Communities & Wellbeing Committee, working groups and Council meetings as required.
- Management of the Head of Communities Diary and email, including scheduling of meetings both internal and external.
- Dealing with correspondence and the co-ordination of general admin from all sections within the Communities Unit on behalf of the Head of Communities.
- Develop and maintain an appropriate filing system, including updating and reorganising as necessary and manage an effective and efficient well programmed office for the Communities Unit to support the Head of Communities in all their work.
- Compile, monitor, maintain and report on personnel records and inventory of absence including holidays, TOIL, sickness absence and other relevant absences for all staff within the Communities Unit.
- Manage all incoming correspondence including telephone calls and enquiries to the Head of Communities and redirect as necessary by prioritising their importance, urgency and relevance.
- Liaise with the Chief Executives Offices, Directors, other Officers and outside agencies as necessary, including taking bookings, organising meetings and hospitality, events etc.
- Assist in dealing with complaints and enquiries referred to the Head of Communities, using own initiative when attending to such matters or referring to other appropriate Officers when necessary, and follow up on any outstanding matters.
- Processing bookings for meetings/visits and overseeing catering arrangements for events and other receptions.
- Establish and utilise databases and spreadsheets for specific areas of work within the Communities Unit and preparing other statistics as required.
- Maintain administrative systems for the Communities Unit such as; Responsible for petty cash; Reconciling and coding Credit Card Statement; Collation of budget reports and performance management information.
- Such other related duties as may be requested by the Head of Communities and cover in event of emergency, staff absences through sickness etc.
- Ensure compliance with all Council policies and procedures and operate within the highest standards of personal behaviour, which reflects the core values and behaviours of the organisation.
About you
It is essential that applicants have a minimum of:
- 5 GCSE passes at grade A-C, NVQ level 2 or equivalent.
- A minimum of 2 years employment experience in the following: Admin/Secretarial experience to a Senior Manager.
- Minute taking.
- Operating appropriate office administration systems - manual and electronic.
Where applicants do not hold the essential qualifications, they must demonstrate a minimum of 4 years' experience as outlined above.
To apply today contact Leanne Garrett in the strictest confidence.
Senior Administration Assistant in Belfast employer: VANRATH
Joining this large public sector body in Lisburn as a Senior Administration Assistant offers you the chance to contribute meaningfully to community services while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With a structured 37-hour work week and competitive pay, you'll benefit from a stable environment that prioritises employee well-being and development, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Administration Assistant in Belfast
✨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 Senior Administration Assistant in Belfast
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 VANRATH
✨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 VANRATH.
✨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 VANRATH 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.