At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level admin support and coordinate key meetings for senior management.
- Company: Join a respected public sector organisation committed to high standards of governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 37-hour work week, and potential for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage with various stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive support and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30458 - 31197 £ per year.
VANRATH are delighted to be working with a respected public body seeking an experienced Personal Assistant to join their Secretariat team.
What's in it for you?
- £30,458 - £31,097 salary
- Initial minimum 3-month temporary assignment
- 37-hour working week (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm)
About your next employer
You'll be joining an independent public sector organisation committed to delivering high standards of governance, accountability and public service. The Secretariat Team plays a vital role in supporting senior leadership, coordinating governance processes and ensuring the efficient administration of key organisational activities.
About you
- Previous experience in an executive support, secretariat or senior administrative role
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience preparing reports, agendas, minutes and correspondence
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams
- Strong attention to detail with excellent proofreading skills
- Ability to prioritise workload and work to strict deadlines
- Professional, proactive and customer-focused approach
What you'll do
- Provide high-level administrative and secretariat support to senior management
- Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and distribute meeting papers
- Record accurate minutes and track actions arising from meetings
- Manage diaries, correspondence and document control
- Prepare reports, briefing papers and presentations
- Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders
- Maintain confidential records and governance documentation
- Support the delivery of corporate governance and committee processes
- Respond to enquiries and provide administrative support across the Secretariat function
- Ensure work is completed in line with organisational policies and procedures
For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Conor Birch in the strictest confidence.
Personal Assistant - Public Sector in Newtownabbey employer: VANRATH
Join a forward-thinking manufacturer in the Derry area as a Maintenance Technician, where you'll enjoy a stable dayshift role with an early finish every Friday. Our supportive team environment fosters professional growth, offering excellent training and development opportunities, ensuring you can advance your career while contributing to continuous improvement projects in a modern manufacturing facility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - Public Sector in Newtownabbey
✨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 Personal Assistant - Public Sector in Newtownabbey
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.
