Overview
Executive Assistant Jobs in Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand at GNS Science
Title: Executive Assistant
Company: GNS Science
Location: Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Earth Sciences NZ was established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA, with the upcoming acquisition of MetService further strengthening its capabilities. Bringing together multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technology, it will excel in earth, environmental, and natural resources science across six core missions: Geological Hazards, Weather and Climate, Energy, Land and Freshwater, Atmosphere and Climate, and Oceans.
This new entity forms part of the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and innovation system in more than three decades, designed to create a more dynamic, collaborative, and impactful science system. Following the acquisition of MetService, Earth Sciences NZ will comprise around 1,500 staff across 22 sites, with assets of approximately $400 million and annual revenues of $370 million, including substantial commercial streams. This provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of science delivery for Aotearoa New Zealand and position the organisation as a globally recognised leader in its field. For more information, visit https://www.earthsciences.nz/.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-level, proactive and confidential support to the Chief Science Strategy Officer, and their senior leadership teams when required, enabling them to operate effectively and strategically across the organisation and science sector. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning of executive operations, managing complex schedules, coordinating critical communications, and facilitating key relationships. As a trusted partner, the Executive Assistant anticipates needs, navigates competing priorities, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and discretion. This role contributes to the delivery of organisational goals through exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to work in a pressured highly dynamic environment.
What You’ll Do
- Provide executive-level, confidential administrative support to the Chief Science Strategy Officer, including managing calendars, meeting coordination, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and coordinating travel and logistics.
- Act as a key liaison between the executive and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and professional communication. Draft, review, edit, proof and manage correspondence, reports, and presentations.
- Manage the flow of information to and from the executive, ensuring priorities are addressed and deadlines are met. Maintain oversight of key documents, briefings, and follow-ups.
- Organise and support meetings, workshops, and events, including preparation of agendas, minute-taking, action tracking, and ensuring appropriate documentation and logistics are in place.
- Assist with the coordination of strategic initiatives, projects, and reporting. Support the executive in monitoring progress against organisational goals and priorities.
- Deliver a range of administrative support services including records management, financial processing (invoices, expenses), leave administration, and collation of reports.
- Collaborate closely with the wider Executive Assistant team, providing backup support and contributing to a cohesive and responsive support network.
What You’ll Bring
- A minimum of 7 years experience in a high-level executive support role within a complex environment. Ideally you will have experience supporting a Chief Executive.
- Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, navigating government protocols, and using digital tools to streamline workflows is essential for success in this role.
- Relevant tertiary qualification, such as Diploma in Business Administration, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to be a part of building the foundations of a newly formed national organisation serving Aotearoa New Zealand.
This role is based at our Greta Point site in Wellington.
Apply now
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
View the full position description outlining the essential skills and experience required for this position here – https://www.gns.cri.nz/careers/. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or queries.
Applications close: 11.55 pm on Monday, 30 March 2026
