55759 Executive Assistant to Chief Scientist (Fixed Term) - Plant & Food Research

Executive Assistant
Chief Scientist
Mount Albert, Auckland
Vacancy number 55759
Fixed Term Fulltime (38 hours per week; 9 months) 

Join us as a key partner to our executive leadership, this role will span the breadth of our organisation. Dive into the heart of innovation, that contribute to the pivotal scientific advancements shaping the future of New Zealand's Plant and Food sectors.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
You will be providing high level executive assistance to our Chief Scientist (CS) for a fixed term of nine months. You will also coordinate and manage company-wide initiatives such as large meetings, events and special projects.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Chief Scientist is well supported in their daily activities, utilising your excellent communication and time management skills, with key responsibilities including:

• Maintain CS calendar, including speaking engagements, and travel (including both domestic and international) arrangements.
• Coordinate Executive events eg: international delegations, domestic politicians, boards and other executive leaders
• Sort and triage CS email
• Determine priority of matters of attention for the CS; redirect matters to staff to handle, or handle matters personally, as appropriate.
• Assist the CS in the drafting of communications -internal and external
• Assist in activities and processes including project planning, prioritisation, initiation and execution, as well as fostering lines of communication between the CS and end-users and key external stakeholders.
• Maintain paper and electronic filing systems, with appropriate maintenance of confidential and sensitive information.
• Complete a variety of special projects

 A copy of the Position Description is available for you to view once you click on the 'apply' button.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification and/or a minimum of 5 years' experience in an executive assistant role.
• A collective view and the ability to work effectively in a team is essential.
• Previous experience working for a Senior Manager would be an advantage as would event and travel management experience.
• A high level of computer literacy and be competent using Microsoft Office applications (word, e-mail, excel, PowerPoint).
• Fast and accurate keyboard skills.
• Well-developed written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills (English language).
• Previous experience in preparing reports and preparing accurate and concise meeting minutes.
• Excellent time management skills.
• A positive attitude, self-motivation, and a high personal standard.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, plan, and organise.
• An understanding of relevant financial reporting principles.

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga
The opportunity to work within a friendly, team-based environment located at our picturesque Mount Albert site where you will contribute to exciting projects with an organisation that has an excellent reputation for its science and impact!   

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous leave provisions.

• Additional 6 days' leave and generous paid parental leave
• Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings and wellbeing & health
• Focus on health & wellbeing with enhanced sick leave
• Ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible work - work from home and flexible hours possibilities

About us | Ko wai mātou
At Plant & Food Research, Rangahau Ahumāra Kai, we believe science can create a better future. By finding smarter, greener options today, we're helping secure the world we want to live in tomorrow. With our partners, we use world-leading science and technology to improve the way they grow, fish, harvest, create, prepare and share kai. Every day, we have 1000 people working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world to help develop and deliver healthy foods from the world's most sustainable food systems. We are on our journey towards becoming a meaningful and trusted partner to Māori, promoting the weaving of Mātauranga Māori and science to create growth and success for all of Aotearoa, New Zealand.