Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant

Buller District Council; Westport; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking a highly organised Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant. In this role, you will provide administrative and governance support, manage the Group Manager’s schedule, coordinate Community Services meetings, and ensure compliance with legislative requirements. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, discretion, and an understanding of Local Government operations. This full-time position is essential for facilitating effective governance within the council.

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational skills and discretion required.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience in a governance-related role is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Group Manager's inbox and calendar.
• Coordinate and manage Community Services meetings.
• Support governance processes and minute meetings.

Skills

Strong understanding of Local Government operations

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

High level of computer literacy and administrative capability

Proven ability to prioritise tasks

Strong problem-solving and organisational skills

Professional, discreet and trustworthy

Energetic and self-motivated

Job description

Overview

Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant – Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand

Permanent full-time | 35-40 Hours per week

Buller District Council is seeking a highly organised and proactive Governance Support Officer & Group Manager Personal Assistant to join our Community Services team. In this varied and trusted role, you will provide high-quality administrative and personal assistant support to the Group Manager Community Services, as well as professional governance support to the Governance Advisor. You will play a key role in ensuring Council, Committee, and Community Board meetings are delivered in accordance with legislative and statutory requirements, while providing exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders.

This position requires excellent organisational skills, sound judgement, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced local government environment.

Our district is diverse and the role supports the governance and administrative needs across Community Services and related meetings.

What Will You Do? | Ka aha koe?

Key responsibilities will include:

• Personal Assistant – Group Manager Community Services: Proactively manage the Group Manager’s inbox, calendar, appointments, correspondence and travel.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, including preparing and formatting meeting papers.
• Maintain accurate records, statutory documentation and expense management.

• Community Services Administration Support: Provide high-quality administrative support to the Community Services team.
• Coordinate meetings in compliance with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
• Manage LGOIMA requests and ensure accurate record keeping.
• Minute meetings and track actions, attendees and apologies.
• Generate Electronic Purchase Orders and perform complex receipting within the finance system.

• Governance Support: Support the Governance Advisor in coordinating Council, Committee, Community Board and Subcommittee meetings.
• Provide high-quality secretarial support, including accurate minute-taking and timely distribution.
• Ensure agendas, reports and meeting documents are prepared and published within statutory timeframes.
• Build knowledge of legislative frameworks and governance processes, including Local Government Act 2002, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, Local Electoral Act 2001.
• Provide administrative support for local body elections when required.
• Providing cover for the Governance Advisor during periods of leave.

Who Are You? | Ko wai koe?

We are looking for someone with:

• Essential: Strong understanding of Local Government operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of computer literacy and administrative capability.
• Proven ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and organisational skills.
• Professional, discreet and trustworthy with high ethical standards.
• Energetic, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a governance-related role.
• Understanding of the political and sensitive nature of Local Government.
• Experience working in a professional office or council environment.

Our Mission | To tatou misioni

To serve the residents of the Buller district, conscious of their needs, by providing facilities and services and creating an appropriate environment for progress and development while preserving the distinctive natural environment, as well as the cultural and historical environments.

Ready to Apply

If you’re ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!

To view the full position description: https://tinyurl.com/2p9mvpdm

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.

Any enquiries about this role please email: [e-mail]

Applications close: 3 PM Friday 20th of February 2026