Executive Assistant to the Children's Commissioner

Join Mana Mokopuna – the Children’s Commissioner and play a key role in supporting the Commissioner in their impactful advocacy for the mokopuna of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

If you're a highly experienced executive support professional who is looking for a role with purpose, variety, and impact, this is an exciting opportunity.

Be part of an organisation where your skills, commitment, and contribution truly make a difference for the mokopuna of Aotearoa New Zealand - tono mai, apply now! 
 
Mō mātou | About us 
Mana Mokopuna - Children’s Commissioner is the independent advocate for all 1.2 million mokopuna (children) in Aotearoa, up to the age of 18, and care-experienced young people up to age 25. 

Led by the Children’s Commissioner, Mana Mokopuna advocates for the rights, interests and wellbeing of mokopuna to be upheld through the promotion of system level change, provision of guidance to government and agencies, amplification of children’s voices in decisions affecting them, and monitoring places where mokopuna are deprived of their liberty. 

Our moemoeā is Kia kuru pounamu te rongo - All mokopuna live their best lives. We want to see every child in Aotearoa have what they need to live their best life. It means mokopuna have a say about what matters for them, and that their rights are respected, protected and advanced by those in power.

Mō te tūnga | About the role 
This is an exciting opportunity to support our new Children’s Commissioner, Jane Searle, by providing exceptional executive assistance and administrative support to enable her to maximise her focus on advancing the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.

This is a permanent, top-tier business support position that requires a highly organised, proactive, and politically astute professional who can confidently navigate dynamic environments. You will bring exceptional judgement, discretion, and relationship-building skills, along with a genuine commitment to living our mātāpono (organisational values) in every interaction.

Success in this role will depend on your ability to build strong and trusted relationships within the organisation, working closely with the Executive Director, the Leadership Team, and kaimahi. You will also engage confidently and professionally with a wide range of external stakeholders on behalf of the Children’s Commissioner, exercising sound judgement and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

From managing a complex calendar and coordinating a busy inbox, to preparing briefings, supporting meetings and engagements, and arranging travel and logistics, you will be at the centre of a fast-paced and meaningful work programme. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys working at pace, and wants to contribute to an organisation that makes a real difference for children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The salary for this role is between $86,186 to $104,453 gross per annum – noting appropriate salary will be offered based on the preferred candidate’s skills, experience and qualifications.  

Ngā kōrero mōu | About you  
To thrive in this role, you will be a seasoned, highly capable executive support professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional results.

You will be a natural communicator, an expert organiser, and someone who builds trusted relationships with ease. You will be experienced in supporting high-profile senior roles and will bring sound judgement, initiative, and the ability to confidently manage competing priorities while maintaining a calm and positive approach. You will act as a central point of coordination for the Children's Commissioner, bringing together information from across the organisation to ensure they are well supported, informed, and connected.

You will also bring:

• Outstanding organisational and coordination skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven experience managing complex calendars and inboxes, coordinating meetings, and organising events, travel, and logistics.
• Advanced proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite with a high level of confidence in learning and using technology.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and the ability to exercise sound judgement when balancing competing priorities, managing risk, and responding to changing demands.
• A demonstrated ability to use initiative, think ahead, and work effectively under pressure.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with people at all levels.
• A high degree of discretion, professionalism, and tact when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Knowledge of government processes, systems, and the machinery of government, would be advantageous.
• A collaborative and flexible approach, with a willingness to step in where needed and contribute to a positive team environment.

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to grow your understanding of, Te Ao Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi and be able to apply this in your day-to-day practice. You will also bring an appreciation of the diverse and multicultural communities that make up Aotearoa New Zealand.

You can view the full position description attached.

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki Mana Mokopuna | What we can offer you 

• Working within a passionate, dedicated team of kaimahi committed to contributing to an Aotearoa New Zealand where all mokopuna live their best lives.  
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to a comprehensive wellbeing support programme which includes access to Rongoā Māori and the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), along with other benefits. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

• Applicants for this position must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.  
• Applications should be submitted online via Seek only by 5pm, Wednesday 2 September 2026. You will be redirected to Seek when you go to apply. Any applications received after the closing of the SEEK advert will not be accepted.  
• When applying, please ensure you provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining: 
  • why you are applying, 
  • your motivation for the role, and 
  • how your capabilities align to the requirements of the position. 
• Applicants will be updated after the closing of the advert on the progress and outcome of their application. 

For any pātai regarding the role, please contact HR at hr@manamokopuna.org.nz

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

• Applicants for this position must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.  
• Applications should be submitted online via Seek only by 5pm, Wednesday 2 September 2026. You will be redirected to Seek when you go to apply. Any applications received after the closing of the SEEK advert will not be accepted.  
• When applying, please ensure you provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining: 
  • why you are applying, 
  • your motivation for the role, and 
  • how your capabilities align to the requirements of the position. 
• Applicants will be updated after the closing of the advert on the progress and outcome of their application. 

For any pātai regarding the role, please contact HR at hr@manamokopuna.org.nz