Working with us
Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, developing academic excellence alongside adaptability, agency, and the positive attitudes that prepare young people to grow, thrive, and find success in a rapidly evolving world.
Cognita Middle East has 14 schools within its portfolio, including: RGS Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha and Repton Abu Dhabi, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School and Al Ain English Speaking School in the UAE, Dasman Bilingual School in Kuwait, Downe House Riyadh and King's College Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Downe House Muscat and Cheltenham Muscat in Oman, and King's College Doha in Qatar.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly capable and proactive Executive Assistant to provide exceptional support to our Executive Team. This is a high impact role for a confident professional who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment and acts as a trusted partner to senior leaders.
You will enable the Directors to focus on strategic priorities by ensuring seamless coordination, operational efficiency, and the highest standards of professionalism and discretion. As part of the Exec Operations team, you will actively contribute to a collaborative, one-team culture across the regional office.
What You'll Do
Executive Support
- Manage complex and ever changing diaries for three Directors, proactively resolving scheduling conflicts.
- Coordinate meetings end-to-end, including agendas, materials, logistics, and follow-ups.
- Arrange comprehensive travel itineraries, including flights, accommodation, visas, and ground transport.
- Act as a first point of contact, screening and prioritising communications appropriately.
- Prepare correspondence, presentations, and reports with exceptional attention to detail.
Project & Meeting Coordination
- Support strategic projects across commercial and operational functions.
- Track deliverables, manage timelines, and coordinate resources as required.
- Coordinate meetings, prepare materials, and track actions to ensure timely delivery.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships across internal teams and with external partners.
- Liaise with school leadership teams on behalf of the directors.
- Coordinate cross functional meetings and initiatives across departments and schools.
- Represent the Directors professionally in all internal and external interactions.
Operations & Administration
- Process expenses, invoices, and purchase orders accurately and efficiently.
- Support budget tracking and expense management across the various functions.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgement.
- Contribute to regional office operations and the continuous improvement of executive support practices.
What We're Looking For
Applicants should be confident, highly organised with a proactive, anticipatory approach. You should be comfortable managing complexity, building relationships at all levels, and maintaining absolute confidentiality.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional presence.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects and initiatives.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent judgement and discretion when handling sensitive information
Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
