At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.
We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an Executive Assistant to Chief Executive, Council Chair & Council Deputy Chair to join our Governance Support team on a permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy Dunedin office.
The purpose of this position is to provide executive level support to the Chief Executive, the Council Chair and the Council Deputy Chair as part of Otago Regional Council’s Governance Support Team.
Each position supported will have different needs and requirements from their Executive Assistant and the Executive Assistant will be agile and flexible to respond to these needs with a strong focus on service and proactivity.
As an Executive Assistant to CE, Chair & Deputy Chair you will be responsible for:
· Prioritising and managing conflicting demands for multiple people.
· Developing and maintaining internal and external working relationships that contribute to effective business outcomes for the people you support.
· Providing executive level administrative assistance, including calendar and email coordination.
· Ensuring documentation is filed appropriately and in accordance with legislative requirements and internal policies and systems
· Working cohesively within the Governance Support team, to provide integrated and seamless service to the leadership team.
· Undertaking travel and event management requirements for CE, Chair & Deputy Chair
If you have a keen eye for detail and enjoy working in a positive & collaborative team, this is the role for you!
About You
Our Executive Assistant- CE, Chair & Deputy Chair ideal candidate will have:
· NCEA Level 2 English and Maths
· Experience in a similar senior level role in a public facing service-oriented organisation
· Experience working with senior leadership teams
· Experience in office management, technology and systems
· Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated initiative, flexibility and ability to work proactively
A full job description for both can be found here – Job Description
What we offer
We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.
To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:
How to Apply
If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button. Please specify in your application which role you are applying for.
Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.
At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!
Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Check out our website -Managing Otago’s environment | Otago Regional Council to see what life at ORC is like.
All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.
Executive Assistant- CE, Chair & Deputy Chair – approx. $66,737 - $78,514
Applications close: Thursday, 12 November 2026
For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz