Closing date: Friday 4 July 2025
Job Title: Assistant Secretary- Auckland
Location: Auckland
Reports to: National Secretary
Hours: Full-time, flexible (some evening/weekend work required)
Salary: As per the Unite Staff Agreement
Start Date: Negotiable
Assistant Secretary – a senior leadership position for a dedicated, strategic and experienced Organiser helping steer the union’s growth, campaigns, and operations nationwide.
This role supports the National Secretary and is deeply involved in day-to-day leadership, industrial strategy, campaigns, and union-building.
Regular member contact is essential, a small Organising patch may be allocated after consultation, depending on the needs of the union.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support leadership of the union alongside the National Secretary and elected National Executive.
- Develop and lead strategic organising campaigns that build power and win better conditions for workers.
- Oversee and support staff teams, including organisers, administrators, and campaign workers.
- Lead or support collective bargaining, including developing strategy, engaging members, and negotiating with employers.
- Manage internal systems, including compliance, reporting, and organisational planning.
- Represent Unite externally, including in media, public forums, and with employer or government representatives.
- Champion membership growth, especially among Māori, Pasifika, migrant, young and low-waged workers.
- Support Organisers with Higher-level casework, mediations and ERA hearings.
- Other leadership and management tasks as directed by the National Secretary.
Role Requirements:
- Strong experience in union organising or grassroots movement building.
- Strategic thinking and leadership experience in campaigning, bargaining or advocacy.
- Familiarity with New Zealand employment law and the industrial relations system.
- Excellent communication and people skills – across cultures, ages and sectors.
- A deep commitment to the kaupapa of unionism, solidarity, and workers’ power.
- A current driver’s licence
- Experience working with Māori, Pasifika and/or migrant communities.
- Experience in managing teams, planning campaigns, or mentoring organisers.
- Knowledge of te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to upholding tino rangatiratanga.
Expression of Interests can be sent to Shanna Olsen-Reeder shanna@unite.org.nz by noon Friday 4 July
Contact person: Shanna Olsen-Reeder