Community organisations across Kāpiti do amazing mahi, but they don't always have the internal capacity to strengthen the systems, processes, and practices that help them thrive. That's where you come in.
As a Community Organisation Capability Advisor, you'll sit down with local organisations to really understand where they're at. Through thoughtful conversations with board members, staff, and volunteers, you'll explore six key capability areas, from governance and financial management to marketing, IT, and HR.
You'll use established frameworks like the NZ Navigator Trust tools and Volunteering NZ Best Practice Guidelines, but you'll also bring your own professional judgment and experience. The goal isn't to write a report for a shelf, it's to identify potential volunteer projects and work with the organisation to rank them by priority and value.
Your recommendations become a menu of possibilities for the organisation to choose from. Together with organisational leadership, you'll determine which projects offer the most impact, whether that's developing a strategic plan, setting up financial systems, building a communications strategy, or strengthening board governance.
On a typical project, you'll:
• Review background information about the organisation (strategic plans, annual reports, key documents)
• Prepare for interviews using proven assessment frameworks (training resources provided)
• Conduct 4–5 thoughtful interviews with board members, staff, and key stakeholders
• Ask questions that uncover both strengths and development needs across key capability domains
• Analyse what you've learned and identify potential projects where volunteers could add value
• Write a clear, practical assessment report (5–8 pages) with an initial list of possible volunteer projects
• Design volunteer project briefs for each possibility with clear objectives, deliverables, and required skills
• Present your findings to the organisation and work with them to rank projects by priority and value
• Work with the Professional Skills Bank Manager to turn the organisation's top priorities into volunteer role descriptions
The Impact of Your Mahi
Your assessment creates a roadmap for organisational development that's grounded in reality and achievable through skilled volunteers. When you get it right, a local organisation gains clarity on their priorities, skilled professionals find meaningful ways to contribute, and our community grows stronger. You're not just writing a report, you're creating the conditions for lasting positive change.
Skills & Experience
• 3+ years professional experience in business analysis, organisational development, management consulting, or related field
• Proven ability to conduct needs assessments and turn findings into actionable recommendations
• Strong interview and facilitation skills with ability to build trust quickly
• Experience using capability frameworks or organisational assessment tools
• Excellent analytical thinking and pattern recognition
• Clear, concise report writing (translating complex findings into practical next steps)
• Comfortable working independently while staying connected for guidance
• Respectful approach to diverse organisations and communities
Behaviours & Values
• Curious and asks good questions
• Listens deeply and builds trust with people from all backgrounds
• Balances honesty with kindness when sharing observations
• Focuses on strengths while identifying development opportunities
• Follows through on commitments and meets agreed timelines
• Respects confidentiality and handles sensitive information with care
Cultural Competency
• Open to learning about Te Ao Māori, te reo Māori, and Te Tiriti-aligned practice
• Respectful of diverse communities, backgrounds, and lived experiences
• Comfortable telling stories that honour mana and represent people authentically
• Willing to use inclusive, strengths-based language
Helpful considerations (but not essential)
• Familiarity with NZ community/charitable sector
• Knowledge of Volunteering NZ Best Practice Guidelines
• Experience with NZ Navigator Trust tools or similar frameworks
• Background in one or more capability domains (governance, finance, HR, IT, marketing)
• Openness to trying innovative tools, we're piloting systems to streamline information synthesis and ensure consistency across assessments (training and support provided)
A Ministry of Justice background check is required for this role.
Each organisation assessment takes 15–20 hours over 4–6 weeks. You can schedule interviews and working time to suit your availability, most of the analysis and report writing can be done when and where it works for you.
Getting started:
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below.
We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Information & Advice