Senior Private Secretary

Ministerial Resourcing are seeking expressions of interest for the Senior Private Secretary role, across Ministerial Offices.

This is an ongoing expression of interest. Applications will be reviewed as vacancies arise, both current and future, including fixed-term, roving, acting and events-based opportunities aligned with the Parliamentary term.

As a Senior Private Secretary, you are the key operational lead within a Minister’s office, responsible for ensuring the office runs effectively and delivers high-quality, timely support to the Minister.

What you’ll do

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage a high-performing Ministerial office team
• Oversee the delivery of advice, briefings, and correspondence to the Minister
• Ensure strong coordination across agencies, offices, and stakeholders
• Manage office operations, systems, and processes to support the Minister’s priorities
• Provide leadership, guidance, and day-to-day direction to staff
• Maintain oversight of workflow, deadlines, and risks across the portfolio
• Uphold the standards and expectations of Ministerial Services and the Parliamentary environment

The Senior Private Secretary plays a central role in setting the culture, performance, and effectiveness of the office.

What we’re looking for

We’re interested in people who bring:

• Strong judgement and political awareness
• Proven leadership experience, ideally in complex or high-paced environments
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, Ministers, and agencies
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication
• A collaborative approach and ability to foster a positive team culture

You’ll also demonstrate a high level of risk awareness and discretion, along with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, politically sensitive environment.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the workings of Executive Government. You’ll be employed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and supported by the Ministerial Resourcing team, who ensure Ministers’ offices are staffed with skilled professionals.

We’re committed to making New Zealand better for New Zealanders — and we’re looking for someone who shares that purpose.

Role Details

• Type: Events-based (aligned with the 3-year parliamentary term)
• Location: Wellington
• Salary Band: $109,697 - $156,214 per annum (based on skills, experience, and internal parity)

Eligibility

Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents and able to obtain and maintain a national security clearance at CONFIDENTIAL or above. Please assess your eligibility using the Protective Security Requirements tool.

Ready to Apply?

Applications will be retained and reviewed as vacancies arise. You may be contacted if your experience aligns with an upcoming opportunity. For more information, contact Ministerial.Resourcing@dia.govt.nz

To view the full job description, click here.