An exciting new job opportunity has opened up in Eastbourne with our local MP, Josh Babarinde OBE, who is recruiting for an Executive Assistant to support his work across both Eastbourne and Westminster. This full-time permanent role offers the chance to be part of a dynamic and impactful team at the heart of local and national politics. It’s ideal for someone highly organised, people-focused, and ready to make a real difference in our community. Full details of the position and how to apply are included below.
I’m looking for an Executive Assistant to work on the administration and management of my work. Although based in Eastbourne, the role will see you manage my work across the town and Westminster.
Salary: Up to £30,000 pro-rata, based on a 40 hour week, in line with IPSA payscales
Length of Contract: Full-time permanent, with a 6 month probationary period
Job Details
Key things we’re after
- You’re organised
- This role places you at the heart of a busy constituency office managing Josh’s schedule and inbox, as well as inbounds across email, telephone and face-to-face drop-in’s to the office. The administrative heart of a busy casework team, you’ll be comfortable managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, and greeting guests in a welcoming, timely and safe way. You’re also a whiz with tech and know a thing or two about the best tools to manage tasks and projects
- You’re confident, but diplomatic
- In this role, you’ll be handling enquiries from a whole host of people from the very first day. As the first line of communication between Josh and the wider world, you’ll be a natural at handling a variety of different conversations, and managing expectations.
- You’re all about the detail
- This role will see you approve diary invites, coordinate travel plans, plan meetings for large groups and distribute minutes and agendas. With that in mind, we’re after someone who is laser-focused on the detail to ensure Josh’s day-to-day work is seamlessly managed and delivered, and that the team is kept informed of important and urgent information. We won’t expect you to pick up everything immediately, but you’ll be someone who can glean new information quickly in your first few weeks and months with us.
- You’re sensitive and empathetic
- We proudly stand up for all our constituents when they need us, and sometimes they reach out under upsetting circumstances. We’re looking for someone who is sensitive and empathetic, with a clear understanding of how and when to escalate and flag the right enquiries with managers.
A day in the life
0915 – After checking in with the team and sorting your coffee, you get stuck in by reviewing enquiries that have come in overnight, before sending them to the relevant colleagues for actions. You’ll be answering calls and emails all day and supporting people where needed, so it’s good to get on top of this now.
1000 – It’s the weekly team meeting with Josh and the wider team – and you’ve already worked with the Chief of Staff to write and circulate an agenda. You’re now capturing minutes and actions.
1100 – Josh needs some support in booking a room for a parliamentary meeting at the last minute for some urgent business. You jump into action and get this sorted.
1130 – A constituent rings the doorbell and needs help from Josh and the team urgently with a pressing issue. You take detailed notes for immediate review and actioning with the casework team.
1230 – Lunchtime! Shut the laptop lid and get some fresh air!
1400 – It’s the weekly diary review meeting with Josh; and you come ready with a list of meetings to discuss and invitations to review.
1500 – It’s time for your weekly 1:1 with the Chief of Staff – where you check in on any big picture questions and talk about your career goals and aspirations!
1530 – Time to check over any new casework enquiries before logging them effectively in our database. Ensuring these are logged and updated as they progress is vitally important as our caseworkers go about their day.
1645 – We’re running dangerously low on paper – so it’s time to do a quick supplies order and check that there isn’t any other office management work required.
1800 – Shut the laptop lid and head home!
What you’ll get in return:
- This is a role where you’ll have an immediate impact from day one, helping people with some of the most pressing issues in their lives.
- This is a role where you’ll learn something new every day; no two days are the same, and you’ll meet loads of great people, and learn about lots of cool stuff in the process.
- This is a role where you’ll be able to bring your ideas to the table; we’re still a new team and streamlining our processes, so if you see something that doesn’t make sense, you have the power to suggest improvements and builds.
If you have any questions about this role, please email josh.babarinde.mp@parliament.uk with the words ‘EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT’ in the subject line.
To apply, visit https://digitallibdems.typeform.com/workwithjosh!
