Māori Impact Project Coordinator & Executive Assistant

Do you thrive in a role where you can drive meaningful projects that create positive change for whānau, hapū, and iwi? This is your opportunity to work alongside a supportive and driven team dedicated to kaupapa Māori research and innovation. 

Te tūnga | The role 

We have a full-time opportunity for an organisational superstar to join our Māori Impact whanau based in Ōtautahi. As the Project Coordinator and Executive Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Māori Impact group. You will support project co-ordination to ensure kaupapa are delivered effectively and efficiently. Alongside this, you will provide high-level executive support to the General Manager Māori Impact, ensuring smooth operations and strategic alignment with ESR’s mission.  

We have a strong preference for the role to be based in Ōtautahi alongside the GM Māori Impact, however we are open to the right person being based at our office in Tāmaki Makaurau or Pōneke.  

Kia angitu koe | About you  

To be successful in this role, we are looking for a combination of the following: 

• Can do attitude, and strong work ethic  

• A strong understanding of Māori communities 

• A passion for delivering impact to Māori communities 

• Experience working within larger organisations, both public and private (iwi, hapū, Māori businesses, government agencies, and research communities).  

• At least five years of EA, administrative and or project experience.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience managing budgets and reporting. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

Ngā painga | The benefits 

• Flexible working options to support balancing work and non-work commitments. 

• Four weeks annual leave, plus two additional annual leave days and three additional ESR days (usually the three days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve) 

• 15 days sick leave and service leave provisions after five years 

• Annual volunteer day to support an organisation or issue you care about in the community. 

• Free annual flu vaccinations 

• Life insurance and physical loss benefit 

• Subsidised Southern Cross insurance & access to special retail discounts. 

• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a confidential and free counselling service. 

Mō mātou | About Us 

Established in 1992, ESR is New Zealand’s Crown Research Institute specialising in science that safeguards the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa’s people and natural environment.  

With 4 locations across Aotearoa New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch and Wellington (Kenepuru and Wallaceville), we use world-leading science to monitor disease, test food and products, safeguard our water, and support the justice sector. By joining forces with experts and iwi, we’re tackling critical issues to ensure a better Aotearoa New Zealand for all. 

We are an accredited Living Wage employer and value our people, providing excellent environment for fostering and developing our people in a values-driven, flexible, and ever evolving landscape. We are committed to sustainability and are proud to have received our Toitū Carbonreduce Certification. 

Tono mai | Apply Now 

As a Project Co-ordinator and right hand to the the GM Māori Impact, you will play a key role in shaping initiatives that matter, strengthening iwi-led solutions, and ensuring our mahi aligns with the aspirations of Māori communities. If you are ready to step into a role where your skills, passion, and cultural insight can make a tangible difference, we want to hear from you! 

If you would like to request a full position description, please get in touch with [email protected] 

Applications close Sunday 13 April 2025 

Click apply to submit your application. Please ensure you upload a cover letter and CV, outlining your interest and relevant skills for this opportunity.  

We will be back in touch once advertising closes and applications have been reviewed. 

ESR is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to New Zealand. We look forward to your application. 

If you don't meet every requirement in this position description, please don't exclude yourself. Studies indicate that women and other individuals from under-represented groups often only apply when they satisfy all the criteria. We focus on recruiting individuals who share our core values of Mahi Rangatira (Our quality counts), Mahi tahi (our team spirit), Mahi Auaha (we push boundaries), Mahi Pono (we do the right thing). If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to submit your application. 

ESR is committed to developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace where people feel they belong. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile commitment that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on. 

Please note the successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment drug-screen and police records check as conditions of employment.

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