FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development)

£32,500 | 21 hours per week | Hybrid | 18-month fixed term

Are you an organised, proactive Executive Assistant who wants to use your skills to support a mission-driven organisation working to end violence against women and girls?

FORWARD is a leading African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls, including FGM, child marriage, domestic abuse, and faith-based abuse. As we continue to grow our advocacy, partnerships, and organisational impact, we are looking for an Executive Assistant to support our Executive Director and Board of Trustees.

This is a new and important role at the heart of the organisation, offering the opportunity to shape ways of working and play a key role in supporting leadership, governance, and organisational effectiveness.

About the Role

You will provide high-level executive support to the Executive Director, including diary and inbox management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements, and preparing briefings and reports. You will also play a central role in supporting the Board of Trustees, coordinating meetings, preparing Board papers, taking minutes, and maintaining governance records.

You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to support organisational planning, internal communications, and coordination across the organisation. You will also support external engagement by helping coordinate events, stakeholder meetings, and correspondence.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience providing executive or senior administrative support
• Is highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities
• Has excellent communication and writing skills
• Is discreet, professional, and confident working with senior leaders and trustees
• Is comfortable using Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom, and document management systems
• Is able to work independently and take initiative
• Shares our commitment to gender justice and the rights of African women and girls

Experience in the charity, voluntary, or social justice sector and experience supporting Boards or governance processes would be an advantage.

Why work at FORWARD?

We are a values-driven organisation committed to equality, dignity, and wellbeing. We encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We offer flexible working, generous annual leave, a pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for training and professional development.

How to apply

Please email your CV and a separate supporting statement specific to this position to our recruitment team by the application deadline below. Please visit our website for the application pack: www.forwarduk.org.uk/about-us/jobs/

In your cover letter, please don’t repeat the information covered in your CV, but do include how you meet the job specifications and why you feel you’re the best person for this role. Your covering letter should include:

·      Why you would like to work for FORWARD?

·      Why this particular role interests you?

Please use the job description and person specification information in this application pack to detail your suitability. If you would like to submit your application in a different format, please get in touch via email or phone (020 8960 4000) and we can discuss how best to facilitate your request. CVs submitted on their own, without a supporting statement, will not be considered.

If this opportunity sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t match every requirement exactly, we would still encourage you to apply - you may just be the perfect fit.

FORWARD is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity.

This post is restricted to women applicants only, as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role or the application process please email recruitment@forwarduk.org.uk and we would be delighted to discuss any queries you may have.

Application deadline: 24th April 2026

Interviews: W/C 18th May 2026