Events and Office Assistant

Whitley Fund for Nature

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channelled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.

The Opportunity

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an organised and proactive individual to contribute to high-profile events such as the prestigious Whitley Awards Ceremony, conservation summits and fundraising receptions, while also supporting office management, operational and administrative functions at the charity’s London office.

The ideal candidate will be keen to contribute, have excellent attention to detail, and a passion for environmental and/or charitable work. This is a varied and hands-on administrative role crucial in underpinning the efforts of our small, dynamic team. The role is a one year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension and we are looking for someone who could work two to three days per week, with the core days in the office being Monday and Wednesday.

EVENTS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Proven ability to manage administrative systems
• Experience coordinating suppliers and event logistics
• Experience of using a database to maintain accurate records and reporting on results
• IT literate (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and to deadlines
• Reliable, proactive and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team

Desirable

• Previous involvement in the charity or environmental sector
• Experience supporting office logistics
• Experience supporting high-profile or donor events
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems
• Interest in conservation, sustainability, or the natural world
• Knowledge of simple budget management or finance procedures

Additional details and benefits:

• Attractive holiday package totalling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays (prorated)
• Training and professional development opportunities provided
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.