This role will primarily support the Head of Business Operations – DLA Piper Africa, a member of the Management team, with key administrative activities relating to effective management and day to day running of the DLA Piper Africa region.
Additionally, the role holder may be required to provide discreet administrative support to other members of the DLA Piper Africa management team and other key stakeholders involved in DLA Piper Africa as required.
Please note this is a 12-month fixed term contract.
Main duties and responsibilities
Support the Africa management team in delivering high quality services to their stakeholders across the continent and within DLA Piper international.
Board, CMP, AGM and Management Team meetings
- Support the Head of Business Operations with the arrangements for the Board, CMP, AGM and Africa Leadership and Management Team meetings
- Responsible for producing first drafts of presentations, minutes of meetings etc.
DLA Piper Africa Committees
- Assist with the convening of DLA Piper Africa Board appointed committee meetings
- Prepare first draft of meeting minutes
- Follow-up on actions
Pole Position / Projects
Support the Head of Business Operations and other members of the DLA Piper Africa management team in the implementation and delivery of a variety of Africa-related initiatives and projects related to achieving our ambitions of pole position. These include, but are not limited to:
- People initiatives - e.g. re-design of the DLA Piper Africa induction programme
- Technology & Innovation initiatives – e.g. DLA Piper Africa SharePoint
Africa Fund
Support the Head of Business Operations with the overall management and reconciliation of the Africa Fund, including:
- Liaise with member firms to agree contributions
- Communicate with member firms regularly with regards to payments and receivables
- Reconciliation of DLA Piper Africa Fund bank account
- Liaise with the DLA Piper Treasury team as and when necessary
- Produce reports and analysis as required
- Support the preparation of approval requests to FinCom
Travel Co-ordination
- Working with DLA Piper's travel management company, coordinate complex international travel, accommodation, ground transportation and visas for the Head of Business Operations and, where required, other members of the DLA Piper Africa management team.
- Management and submission of expense claims
General
- Support the Head of Business Operations and COO in all aspects of their role to ensure the smooth running of their functions
- Undertake such other matters as may be requested or delegated from time to time
About you
- High resilience and adaptability - able to handle multiple priorities, working to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced and challenging environment
- Able to analyse data and produce high quality written communications in a succinct and professional manner, with a keen attention to detail
- Analytical thinking – able to spot inconsistencies and follow up appropriately
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with a range of stakeholders across multiple cultures and countries
- Advanced organisation skills – capable of scheduling complex meetings across multiple time zones involving senior stakeholders
- Proven ability to take accurate, concise and professional minutes, capturing decisions, actions and accountabilities
- Proficiency in preparing structured slide decks tailored to specific event requirements
- Ability to coordinate complex travel itineraries involving multiple time zones
- Diplomatic, patient and resourceful, with a solutions-focused approach
- Take ownership of delegated tasks through to completion at a high standard
- Demonstrate a collaborative working style, together with the ability to be self-directed
About Us
We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.
At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.
We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.
Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.
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At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.
Agile Working
We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.
Pre-Engagement Screening
In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.
Our hiring approach
Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.
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