Secretariat Support

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us

An exciting opportunity for a proactive and self-motivated team player with excellent minute taking skills to join an international, multicultural organisation.

The Role

The Secretariat Support will provide administrative support for internal and external SKAO meetings, including taking meeting minutes and drafting summaries, as well as supporting all aspects of meeting preparation and administration. Some flexibility will be needed occasionally as meetings take account of international time zones.

This role will be a 12-month fixed term appointment for a maternity cover and will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
- Provide secretariat and administrative support for internal and external meetings including:

- take meeting minutes and drafting summaries.
- support all aspects of meeting preparation and administration - arrange meetings, coordinate document circulation, and help to set up meeting rooms and tidying up after use.
- update documents which monitor the secretariat function.
- Provide support at SKAO events, meetings etc. as required.
- Cover for Reception, responses to office enquiries and general administration support.
- Coordinate with Member and Observer country representatives about the various governance meetings.
- Report to and work on a day-to-day basis under the guidance of the Council Secretary.

These responsibilities are not exhaustive. A flexible approach and willingness to adapt to unexpected and changing needs, as well as performing further general administrative and other tasks, is essential.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

To perform this job successfully, the post holder must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

- Fluent in the English language, both written and verbal.
- Competent, effective minute taking skills.
- Significant experience in an office environment.
- Ability to provide clear, concise and timely written communications.
- Be a flexible team player who is adaptable to change and able to work under own initiative.
- Ability to maintain absolute discretion.
- Good interpersonal skills with a friendly and customer-oriented approach.
- Good IT skills, especially use of MS Word.
- Completed secondary school education.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Good knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Touch-typing and/or shorthand/speed-writing skills.
- Meeting coordination across multiple countries.
- Completed or working towards a governance/secretarial/administration qualification.

**Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement**

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim _to cr