Executive Assistant

New Zealand Defence Force; Devonport-Takapuna; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover up to $300,000

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes for Defence community

Mortgage broker services

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force in Devonport, North Island, seeks an executive assistant to the Assistant Chief of Navy, Personnel and Training. You will manage the diary, coordinate meetings and prepare crucial documents, ensuring the leadership team’s day runs smoothly.

You will provide high-quality executive support, take ownership of tasks, and work collaboratively with senior leaders in a dynamic defence environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience providing executive or personal assistance to a senior executive.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage complex calendars.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Managing the diary, meeting requests and coordinating correspondence.
• Providing full secretarial services including preparation and management of documents.
• Ensuring smooth running of the Assistant Chief of Navy’s day, including anticipating information requests.

Skills

Stakeholder relations

Planning & organising

Communication skills

Proactivity

Discretion with confidential info

Adaptability

MS Office

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force – Devonport, North Island

You will provide high-quality executive assistance to our Assistant Chief of Navy, Personnel and Training (ACN P&T). You will be responsible for ensuring that critical administration tasks are consistently and successfully managed.

Key responsibilities

• Managing the diary, meeting requests and coordinating correspondence.
• Providing full secretarial services including the preparation and management of documents.
• Ensuring smooth running of the Assistant Chief of Navy’s day Personnel and Training, including anticipating information requests and organisational demands.

The salary for this role starts from $70,187 with a midpoint of $77,865 inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience

You will have proven experience providing executive or personal assistance to a senior executive. As an independent self-starter, you will take ownership of the role and work collaboratively.

Required skills

• An ability to maintain relationships with all stakeholders.
• Proven prioritisation, planning and organisation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive approach to tasks, ensuring action is taken and the leadership team are kept informed.
• An ability to work with confidential and commercially sensitive information, discretion is key.
• Adaptability, with a strong customer focus and growth mind-set.
• Knowledge and proficiency in using MS Office Suite.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Applications close on 16 September 2026

All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.

Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.

At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.

You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.