Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£34,435 per annum

About the Role
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Within Defra, the Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) team is the trusted digital partner across the entire Defra Group. With around 1000 colleagues, DDTS aims to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra.

This varied and rewarding role combines 50% Personal Assistant (PA) support with 50% business support responsibilities across the Defra Group Security (DgS) Central Operations team. You will provide dedicated PA support to senior leaders, including the Deputy Director, managing diaries, meetings, governance activities, stakeholder engagement and associated administrative support.

You will also lead key people and business support activities such as recruitment, wellbeing initiatives, workforce planning, internal communications, management information and reporting, and contribute to business improvement projects. Acting as a central point of coordination, you will manage communication channels including the DgS SharePoint site and shared mailboxes, and assist in planning high-profile engagement events like the annual Security Conference and DgS Away Days.

As part of the DgS Project Management Office (PMO), you will support internal projects and continuous improvement initiatives, working closely with colleagues across Defra Group Security and wider Defra teams. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment, building strong relationships, managing competing priorities, and contributing to the successful delivery of corporate and operational objectives.

Please note this role requires Security Clearance (SC). Applicants must have been UK residents for a minimum of 5 years to be eligible for clearance.

Experience
- Providing Personal Assistant, Executive Support, operational, business support or project support services within a complex organisation.
- Managing diary coordination, meetings, governance activities and stakeholder engagement.
- Managing digital collaboration tools and communication channels, including SharePoint sites, shared mailboxes and intranet content.
- Responding to enquiries, managing requests and providing high-quality customer service.
- Working independently, using initiative, sound judgement and taking ownership of tasks while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.

About you
- Highly organised and proactive with the ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to develop and deliver clear communications for diverse audiences.
- Strong relationship builder, able to work collaboratively across teams and with senior stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required; however, experience in PA support, business operations, or project management within a complex organisation is essential. Security Clearance (SC) eligibility is mandatory, requiring a minimum of 5 years UK residency.