Taituarā Ahurei | Executive Assistant | Wellington

Job Description

• Fixed Term / Secondment until January 2027
• Start date January 2026

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō tēnei tūrangi mahi | About this role 

We are looking for a highly motivated, exceptional Executive Assistant to provide executive level support to the Deputy Secretary – Strategy, Stewardship and Performance. This is a fixed term position to cover parental leave from 9 January 2026 to 11 January 2027. You will also work closely with other business support staff, managers, and senior managers to achieve the outcomes required of this role.  

These roles are critical partners to the Executive Leadership team and provide a professional, highly efficient and effective executive level support service.   

You will make strong connections internally and externally and identify linkages to always ensure maximum engagement and information flows.  

Although responsible for supporting the Deputy Secretary, you will be expected to be a proactive member of the ELT support team.  Demonstrating leadership through sound influencing, judgement, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, you will actively contribute to the Team's work programme, continuous improvement, and development goals.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience  

You will be an expert in diary and email management with a strong ability to provide the answers before they're asked.   

At this level, it's a given that you can operate effectively and efficiently in all areas of administration.   Excellent technical ability and experience is not enough, we want someone who stands out from the crowd.  You will always be two steps ahead of your Deputy Secretary, anticipating their needs before they know they need it.  

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate superior relationship building skills and the confidence to successfully manage the complexities of working with the wider leadership team. You must have high levels of self-awareness, perseverance, excellent judgement and strong decision-making skills.     

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $80,712 to $97,721 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.    

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position please contact lisa.hipperson@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.  

Note: for internal permanent kaimahi who are applying for a secondment, you must speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Thursday 6th November 2025