Executive Assistant to CEO

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty. 

Are you an exceptional organiser, a skilled communicator, and a natural problem solver? Oxfam GB is looking for a talented professional to take on a pivotal role as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of the world’s leading organisations committed to tackling inequality and ending poverty. 

The Role: 

In this crucial position, you will act as the linchpin in the running of Oxfam GB, ensuring the smooth operation of the CEO’s office. You’ll be the primary point of contact for the CEO, representing her both internally and externally, while building strong, trusted relationships across the organisation and beyond.  

This role is perfect for someone who is resilient, enjoys variety, and excels at balancing high-level responsibilities with the personal touch. Join us in becoming a vital part of Oxfam GB’s mission to create a fairer, more sustainable world! 

What we are looking for: 

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam's mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do. 

An ideal candidate for the role will also have:

• Demonstrable experience of working as an EA/PA at senior / Chief Executive level.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence, achieve results and negotiate at senior levels internally and externally, with diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to work well under pressure whilst maintaining a focus on what’s important for Oxfam and CEO, keeping calm and retaining a positive, can-do attitude 
• Ability to prioritise the competing demands on the CEO's office and the CEO's time, using sound judgement to tackle issues arising, and confidence to push back as needed
• Excellent communications skills. Fluency in written and spoken English, with confident and appropriate verbal communication.
• Ability to work with social media and digital platforms.
• Ability to work accurately with attention to detail, and to produce clear communications, letters/emails, reports, and meeting notes.
• Drive, tenacity and resilience.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a flexible, service-oriented approach.  

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, generous pension scheme, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits.  

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more.  

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

Flexfam:

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you.  The role will be based at our Head Office in Oxford, and whilst some hybrid working will be possible, the successful candidate will need to be able to maintain a regular presence in the office to connect with the CEO and other colleagues, as well as host visitors and events, etc.   

How to apply: 

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile. We would also be keen to hear about your interest in working for Oxfam and what led you to pursue this role. 

Our values and commitment to safeguarding 

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. 

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. 

About us 

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries. 

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that: