Private Secretary – Ministerial Services (Fixed‑term)

About the role

The Private Secretary – Ministerial Services provides high‑level administrative and coordination support to the Minister, the Senior Private Secretary and other ministerial office staff. Based in Wellington, the role is a secondment/fixed‑term position (up to 18 months) within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), supporting the Commerce and Consumer Affairs portfolio and, at times, the Small Business and Manufacturing portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the workflow between the Minister’s office and MBIE, overseeing ministerial requests, directives and correspondence.
• Coordinate written parliamentary questions, Official Information Act requests and other statutory obligations.
• Initiate and maintain clear communication with MBIE staff to commission and progress work items.
• Anticipate the Minister’s needs, ensuring “no surprises” and preventing issues before they arise.
• Provide timely updates and concise information to senior officials and stakeholders.

Required profile

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Strong autonomous working style with excellent judgement.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships across government and public‑sector organisations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within tight timeframes.

Required skills

• Advanced influencing and negotiation capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Solid understanding of ministerial processes and public‑sector protocols.

What we offer

• Higher duties allowance of up to $10,000 per annum for internal candidates.
• One additional week of leave at the end of the secondment.
• Direct exposure to senior decision‑making and government operations.
• Opportunities to develop high‑level communication, relationship‑building and judgement skills.