Executive Assistant to 2x General Managers at NZ Ombudsman, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

He wā tino pai ki te hono mai ki tō mātou tari - It's a great time to join our office

Public confidence in government institutions is under pressure. The Office of the Ombudsman in a constitutionally independent role critical to the success of good administration. Demand for our services is growing, and New Zealanders need us to show up in new ways and be more accessible and impactful.

We have just completed an organisational wide change, and we are evolving how we do our mahi to have greater impact. This a new way of working where kaimahi are genuinely empowered, collaboration is real, leadership is visible and values-driven, and where the people doing the work can see their input shaping the direction of the organisation.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team

This role supports the General Manger Corporate and Transformation and General Manager People and Capability. This is a new role created as part of the recent organisational change. Corporate and Transformation includes Digital and Technology, Security, Information and Knowledge Management, Project Management Office, Finance and Business Services while People and Capability contains People Enablement and Learning and Capability.  Both groups are strategic enablers to the business and work together to deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Mō te tūranga - About the role

As Executive Assistant to two General Managers, you will play a vital role in enabling two busy senior leaders to plan and operate at their best. You will coordinate the work, manage competing priorities across the two portfolios, adapt to different working styles, and build the systems and relationships that allow both leaders to focus on what matters most. The ability to coordinate collaboratively across two senior leaders and maintain oversight of two distinct but connected work programmes is central to success in this role. 

You'll have excellent judgement, a high level of discretion and the ability to work independently across a wide range of tasks. You can expect to be involved in diary and correspondence management, project coordination, financial reporting, governance support, and more.

You will also be part of a cohort of EAs providing similar support services to other senior leadership members.

Other tasks include but are not limited to:

• Read, assess and route incoming material, providing guidance on urgency and priority for handling or delegation
• Prepare and maintain records, meeting papers, reports, registers and other documentation to a high standard for both leaders
• Provide secretarial and governance support including coordinating agendas, recording minutes and tracking action items for relevant groups
• Coordinate meetings and events, including programme finalisation, catering, technical arrangements and liaison with guests and speakers
• Manage travel arrangements including itineraries, flights, accommodation and transportation
• Provide financial reporting support including monthly reconciliations, credit card and expense management

He kōrero mōu – About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant supporting senior leaders, ideally including experience supporting more than one leader simultaneously
• Sound administration and office management experience, with the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities across different portfolios
• Comprehensive proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to draft and finalise high-quality correspondence and documentation
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly and engage confidently with senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to different personal preferences and working styles
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use initiative and work accurately under pressure

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer

Becoming part of exceptional teams in a dynamic organisation that is clear about its mission and what it needs to do to achieve it, where the work is both challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Three extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email recruitment@ombudsman.parliament.nz.

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $61,701 to $80,982 with $77,126 being the mid-point.

This role is based in Wellington.

Applications close 5pm, 16 April 2026