Mark Vaurasi
Upper Hutt,WGN
Summary
Dynamic Executive Staff Officer with a proven track record at the New Zealand Defence Force, excelling in project management and compliance enforcement. Adept at enhancing operational efficiency and delivering exceptional customer service. Skilled in training development and team collaboration, driving impactful results in administrative functions and service delivery.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Staff Officer
New Zealand Defence Force - Messines Defence Centre
Upper Hutt, Wellington
04.2023 - Current
- Coordinated operations at Messines Conference Centre, ensuring efficient scheduling of meetings.
- Managed administrative functions for Messines Defence Centre, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
- Delivered exceptional customer service through access card control and registry management.
- Administered Defence document management system to improve information accessibility.
- Developed accurate database and standard operating procedures for various systems and processes.
- Oversaw finance administration, vehicle bookings, travel arrangements, and building maintenance tasks.
- Maintained security card access protocols to safeguard sensitive areas at Defence Centre.
- Implemented position desk files to streamline operational workflows and enhance efficiency.
- Carry out unit security officer duties.
- Compliance - ensured all relevant defense statutes and policies are being complied with in the Health and Safety workplace. Assist with the development and adherence to fire orders and OSH orders.
- Draft routine correspondence and signals. Monitor accounts and payment of vendors and contractors for services, and coordinate meetings and seminars.
Lead Security Officer
USA Embassy and Australian High Commission
, Wellington
12.2021 - 04.2023
- Monitored access control systems to regulate personnel entry and exit.
- Supervised security personnel at diplomatic facilities to uphold safety standards.
- Conducted regular patrols of embassy grounds to ensure secure environments.
- Coordinated emergency response drills to prepare staff for potential threats.
- Implemented security policies in accordance with embassy regulations and protocols.
- Trained new security officers on operational procedures and guidelines.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement to enhance event security measures.
- Reported incidents and prepared documentation for internal investigations.
Protective Security Officer
NZ Government Communications Security Bureau
, Wellington
02.2020 - 12.2021
- Monitored security systems to safeguard operations and sensitive information.
- Conducted regular inspections to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities.
- Developed and implemented security protocols in collaboration with team members.
- Responded promptly to incidents, ensuring adherence to established protocols.
- Maintained detailed logs of security activities and incidents for accurate reporting.
- Performed daily patrols to detect suspicious activity and unauthorized individuals.
- Provided training sessions on safety protocols for new employees.
- Engaged with stakeholders to enhance awareness of security policies and practices.
Administration Manager
New Zealand Defence Force - New Zealand High Commission
Suva, Fiji
07.2016 - 12.2019
- Managed administrative operations for New Zealand Defence Force at High Commission.
- Coordinated logistics and scheduling for official events, optimizing overall efficiency.
- Oversaw procurement processes for timely delivery of office supplies and services.
- Implemented filing systems to organize confidential documents and ensure security.
- Developed office policies to uphold compliance standards and enhance procedures.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication to improve operational efficiency and collaboration.
- Administer Diplomatic Clearances.
- Automated office operations for accounts payable, receivable, and data communication.
Second Secretary (Administration) Consular Adviser
New Zealand Embassy
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
06.2015 - 07.2016
- Facilitated diplomatic communications between New Zealand and foreign governments.
- Managed visa applications, ensuring adherence to immigration policies.
- Organized official events and meetings for embassy personnel and dignitaries.
- Prepared briefing materials for diplomatic discussions and negotiations.
- Conducted research on issues affecting New Zealand's political, economic, and cultural interests.
- Maintained accurate records of correspondence and documentation for embassy operations.
- Liaised with local authorities to support embassy activities and address concerns.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for visiting diplomats and prepared expense reports.
- Managed staff employed at post in Riyadh and NZ citizens in countries of accreditation (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait)
Training Manager-Logistics Administration Manager
New Zealand Defence Force - Youth Development Unit
Hobsonville, Auckland
11.2011 - 06.2015
- Developed engaging training programs for youth leadership and personal development.
- Facilitated workshops focusing on teamwork, resilience, and life skills.
- Collaborated with educators to align training with youth development objectives.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments.
- Mentored junior trainers in instructional techniques and program delivery.
- Managed logistics for training events, including scheduling and materials preparation.
- Coordinated partnerships with community organizations to enhance program outreach.
- Implemented safety protocols during training sessions to ensure participant well-being.
- Identified areas of improvement in existing training methods and procedures.
- Implemented training improvements to achieve desired results.
- Analyzed training needs to develop new programs or modify and improve existing.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts, vendors and third-party training providers to support learning and development strategy.
- Produced reports and maintained training documents to support training activities.
- Developed training materials, including manuals, guides and handouts.
- Evaluated effectiveness of training by using feedback surveys, focus groups and other relative means.
- Implemented systems for tracking employee certifications and qualifications across departments.
- Managed budgeting process for training programs within the organization.
- Consulted with senior leaders to develop and execute strategy and provide regular updates.
- Benchmarked learning and development strategies using industry best practices.
- Analyzed data to evaluate effectiveness of current training program offerings.
- Developed testing and evaluation procedures to drive effective outcomes.
- Maintained records of employee participation in all training activities.
- Managed training calendar for entire fiscal year, including setting course plans, training spaces and department rotations.
- Managed administrative functions for youth development programs within the Defence Force.
- Coordinated training schedules and logistics for youth leadership initiatives.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation for various projects.
- Trained new administrative staff on policies and procedures within the unit.
- Supervised daily operations of the administrative team to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Created monthly reports summarizing department activities for senior management review.
- Reviewed incoming emails and responded accordingly within established timelines.
- Assisted in the development of administrative procedures and systems to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Resolved complex problems related to administrative processes in a timely manner.
- Organized office operations and procedures, including filing systems, record keeping, data entry, mail distribution and other clerical services.
- Actively participated in weekly meetings with senior management to discuss progress towards goals.
- Conducted performance reviews for administrative staff members to identify areas of improvement.
- Performed budgeting duties including forecasting expenditures and preparing financial reports.
- Developed strategies for improving operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Developed administrative team to support corporate growth and objectives.
- Directed and oversaw office personnel activities.
- Automated office operations to optimize accounts payable and receivable, customer correspondence and data communications.
- Evaluated and implemented new systems and procedures to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Managed busy calendar for executive team, planning and preparing meetings and communications.
Administrative Manager
New Zealand Defence Force - Headquarters New Zealand Joint Forces
Trentham, Wellington
11.2007 - 11.2011
- Managed daily administrative operations for New Zealand Defence Force headquarters.
- Coordinated administration, reporting processes, and communications across Navy, Army, Air, and Joint Forces Headquarters.
- Developed training program to support new process rollout and enhance change acceptance.
- Streamlined office and work processes for joint personnel support, payroll, and administration.
- Established service levels (SLA) and memorandums of understanding (MOU) with customers to define delivery expectations.
Service Delivery Manager
New Zealand Defence Staff - NZ Embassy Washington DC
Washington DC, United States of America
05.2005 - 11.2007
- Streamlined service delivery processes to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular stakeholder meetings to review service performance metrics.
- Implemented process improvements that optimized service delivery workflows.
- Trained team members on best practices for customer service management.
- Ensured compliance with SLAs while maintaining high service quality standards.
- Established strong client relationships to assess needs and expectations effectively.
- Managed a team of four administrators, overseeing Financial and Human Resources services for NZ Defence Military staff in the USA.
- Liaised with USA Foreign Liaison Office and US military counterparts for security passes and access documentation.
Education
Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management) - Business Administration And Management
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Wellington, NZ06-2025
Skills
- Human resources management
- Customer service
- Project management
- Team collaboration
- Data analysis
- Administrative support
- Compliance enforcement
- Event coordination
- Training development
- Contract negotiation
- Problem resolution
- Leadership
- Risk management
- Bilingual communication
- Networking strategies
- Performance evaluation
- Workflow planning techniques
Accomplishments
- New Zealand Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 1st Clasp
- New Zealand Operational Service Medal – for operational service
- East Timor medal
- Multinational Forces and Observers Medal - Sinai
- New Zealand General Service Medal – Sinai
- New Zealand Defence Service Medal
Affiliations
- New Zealand Army Touch and Rugby representative
- Wellington Touch representative
- North Harbour Touch representative
Timeline
Executive Staff Officer
New Zealand Defence Force - Messines Defence Centre
04.2023 - Current
Lead Security Officer
USA Embassy and Australian High Commission
12.2021 - 04.2023
Protective Security Officer
NZ Government Communications Security Bureau
02.2020 - 12.2021
Administration Manager
New Zealand Defence Force - New Zealand High Commission
07.2016 - 12.2019
Second Secretary (Administration) Consular Adviser
New Zealand Embassy
06.2015 - 07.2016
Training Manager-Logistics Administration Manager
New Zealand Defence Force - Youth Development Unit
11.2011 - 06.2015
Administrative Manager
New Zealand Defence Force - Headquarters New Zealand Joint Forces
11.2007 - 11.2011
Service Delivery Manager
New Zealand Defence Staff - NZ Embassy Washington DC
05.2005 - 11.2007
Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management) - Business Administration And Management
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand