Executive Assistant to the Chief Science Adviser | Wellington City

Job Description

Job Title: Executive Assistant to the Chief Science Adviser

Role type: Permanent full-time

Location: Wellington CBD (on site)

General Salary Range G: from $67,658 - $89,957 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are looking for an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Chief Science Adviser (CSA) and his Office, operating in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

This office-based role helps to maximise the effectiveness of the Chief Science Advisor (CSA) across multiple organisations, by:

• managing the CSA's complex calendar and high volume of email communication
• coordinating travel arrangements and logistics
• carrying out purchasing and expense claim processing
• providing logistical support to team meetings, and event / logistics management for the CSA's office
• working under the guidance of the Manager, Office of the Chief Departmental Science Adviser

 About You - Mōu 

You will be resilient, dedicated, energetic and experienced; a self-starter with a reputation for working effectively across an organisation to get things done.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated capabilities in the following areas:

• Excellent planning and organisation including the ability to take the initiative to respond quickly and appropriately where required
• Ability to focus on multiple issues, to plan and prioritise in a busy environment, applying sound judgement to competing deadlines, while staying unruffled and maintaining attention to detail
• Well-developed relationship management skills with the ability to manage complex relationships both internally and externally
• Confident with the Microsoft suite of products and quick to learn new systems and tools
• Previous experience in providing high quality executive support, ideally in the public sector

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū 

This is a Wellington, office-based role which is part of a small, experienced team that is kept busy supporting Dr. John Roche in his dual positions of NZ Prime Minister's Chief Science Adviser and Chief Departmental Science Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries. The environment is fast-paced, high performing, collegial and enabling.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua 

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua 

• Additional MPI Leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 14 September 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email Fiona.Ramson@mpi.govt.nz  

Please note: We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress suitable candidates before the closing date. We encourage you to apply early. 

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