Senior Executive Assistant

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As our Senior Executive Assistant, you will provide high-quality executive assistance to our Deputy Chief of Air Force (DCAF). You will be responsible for ensuring that critical administration tasks for the Deputy Chief are consistently and successfully managed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the diary, meeting requests and coordinating correspondence.
• Providing full secretarial services including the preparation and management of documents.
• Liaising with, and maintaining close working relationships across, the senior levels of the NZDF and other Government agencies.
• Ensuring smooth running of the Deputy Chief of Air Force’s day, including anticipating information requests and organisational demands.
• Coordinating with other staff in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Air Force.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | 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.

You will also have:

• An ability to maintain relationships with all stakeholders.
• Proven prioritisation, planning and organisation skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of your principal.
• 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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 13 October 2026.

Use the links on this page where you’ll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• 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.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

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.