**Kai Manaaki - Executive Assistant**

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

** - This position is based in Gisborne, New Zealand**

Conservation International Aotearoa has an opportunity for a mature, reliable, and self-driven person to join our team. If you want to be part of an exciting kaupapa and team dedicated to protecting our ocean environments and heritage, this role could be for you. Our work will see you supporting communities on the frontlines of climate change and the blue carbon revolution.

The Kai Manaaki will provide administrative and communications support for the Vice Present of Conservation International Aotearoa. Duties include managing the executive’s calendar, travel, and meeting schedules; preparing routine and high-level correspondence; handling confidential and sensitive information; preparing presentations and related meeting materials and making travel arrangements. The Kai Manaaki will also provide information and general administrative support including maintaining filing systems; preparing expense reports; and providing ad-hoc operational support on HR, Finance, and IT-related tasks.

They will function as a secondary point of contact for the executive with a wide variety of key constituents, including Iwi leaders, government officials, and potential and existing donors. Duties are highly confidential and require upskilling and training in CI’s policies, procedures, programs, and operations. Ability to work effectively with others with excellent written, visual, and oral communication skills in English. A basic understanding of te reo Māori are required. This position does not supervise staff.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**

The Kai Manaaki will provide administrative and communications support for the Vice Present of Conservation International Aotearoa. Duties include managing the executive’s calendar, travel, and meeting schedules; preparing routine and high-level correspondence; handling confidential and sensitive information; preparing presentations and related meeting materials and making travel arrangements.

Key Responsibilities
- Assist the executive on all administrative matters.
- Screen incoming correspondence, calls, and requests and determine priority and appropriate disposition. Ensure that critical and sensitive information flows to the executive in a timely manner. Develop appropriate follow-up procedures.
- Act as a liaison with other departments and others within and outside of CI.
- Act as a liaison with Iwi leaders and government officials.
- Prepare correspondence, memos, presentations, and other communications material.
- Manage the executive’s business and travel calendar. Coordinate activities with others as appropriate.
- Prepare check requests, travel reimbursements, and other related financial transactions.
- Maintain administrative files.
- Provide additional administrative or operational support as directed.

Additional Responsibilities
- Foster an environment of manaaki based on tikanga Māori values.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities
- Does not directly supervise staff but assists peers and helps direct the work of interns, temporary employees, contractors, or volunteers.
- Not accountable for preparing an operating budget but helps track and monitor expenditures.
- Can initiate check requests or similar transactions as directly approved by supervisor.

**WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Typical office environment.
- Flexibility to work beyond normal work hours as needed.
- No travel is expected
- Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
- Expected to be a 12-month assignment, anticipated to end in March 2024.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Required**
- High School or Secondary School education.
- 2-4 years of related work experience in providing administrative, office, and communications support.
- Proficiency with MS Office, Google Mail, and web researching skills.
- Strong organization and communication skills. Ability to prioritize and manage high volume and varied tasks and meet deadlines.
- Service focus. Courteous, tactful, and proven ability to work effectively with others from a variety of disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Self-drive with the ability to work under general supervision.

**Preferred**

Success in this position requires a person who is proactive and has professional integrity and confidence. Success in this position is also dependent on the person having a deep interest in the environment and being highly motivated. In addition, the person must have a sense