About Company
Career.zycto empowers individuals to build impactful careers within the public sector, fostering growth and professional development. We specialise in connecting dedicated professionals with local government roles, ensuring a vibrant and supportive working environment. For a Council Assistant, this means joining a team where your contributions directly enhance community services and administrative efficiency. We pride ourselves on creating pathways to stable, rewarding positions that genuinely make a difference in Edinburgh. Discover a workplace where your skills are valued, and your career trajectory is prioritised.
Job Description
Are you an exceptionally organised, dedicated, and detail-oriented professional seeking a pivotal role within local government? Career.zycto is delighted to be recruiting a full-time Council Assistant to support the vital operations of a key public sector institution in the vibrant and historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with a passion for public service and administrative excellence to contribute directly to the efficiency and effectiveness of local services, impacting the lives of Edinburgh’s diverse residents daily.
As a Council Assistant, you will be an integral part of a dynamic administrative team, providing comprehensive and essential support to council members, senior officers, and various departments. Your primary responsibilities will span a wide array of critical administrative duties, from managing intricate schedules and coordinating complex multi-stakeholder meetings to preparing important reports, presentations, and correspondence. You will serve as a crucial initial point of contact for a diverse range of inquiries from the public, external stakeholders, and internal colleagues, handling all interactions with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency, ensuring that information is disseminated accurately and promptly.
This demanding yet rewarding role requires a high degree of discretion and the unwavering ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with absolute integrity. You will be responsible for maintaining meticulous physical and digital records, accurately updating complex databases, and ensuring that all documentation adheres strictly to established protocols, legal requirements, and best practices. Furthermore, you will play a key part in the successful organisation and execution of public engagement events, significant council sessions, workshops, and community consultations, requiring strong logistical planning, coordination skills, and a proactive approach. The successful candidate will also play a significant part in supporting crucial decision-making processes by preparing comprehensive meeting agendas, taking precise and accurate minutes during various committee and council meetings, and meticulously following up on action points to ensure timely completion.
We are seeking someone who not only thrives in a structured, professional environment but can also adapt quickly and effectively to evolving priorities and urgent demands. Your exceptional organisational abilities, coupled with outstanding written and verbal communication skills, will be absolutely paramount in this role. You will be expected to demonstrate initiative, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a proactive, forward-thinking approach to managing your diverse workload. This position offers not just a job, but a clear pathway to a meaningful and impactful career where your administrative expertise and dedication directly contribute to the betterment of community life across Scotland’s capital. Join us in making a tangible and lasting difference within Edinburgh’s essential public services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to council members and various departments.
- Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, emails, and phone calls, ensuring timely and professional responses.
- Prepare, edit, and proofread reports, presentations, agendas, and minutes for meetings.
- Organize and schedule meetings, appointments, and events, including managing diaries and booking venues.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and digital record-keeping systems and databases.
- Assist with logistical planning and coordination for public engagement events, workshops, and council sessions.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and in accordance with data protection regulations.
- Process invoices, expenses, and other financial administration tasks as required.
- Liaise effectively with internal colleagues, external stakeholders, and the general public.
- Support ad-hoc projects and tasks as directed by senior staff or council members.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in an administrative support role (minimum 1 year).
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.
- Proactive approach to problem-solving and task management.
- Customer service orientation with a professional and helpful demeanour.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working within a public sector, local government, or charity organisation.
- Knowledge of local government processes and administrative procedures.
- A relevant administrative qualification (e.g., SVQ Business and Administration, HNC/HND in Administration and IT).
- Experience with CRM systems or bespoke database management software.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Employee assistance program for health and well-being.
- Central Edinburgh location with excellent public transport links.
- Meaningful work contributing directly to community services.
How to Apply
To apply for this rewarding Council Assistant role, please click on the application link below. Submit your comprehensive CV and a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability for the position, highlighting your relevant experience in administrative support and your commitment to public service in Edinburgh. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning how you can contribute to our team.
