Roving Senior Private Secretary

The Opportunity: 

We are seeking an experienced Office Manager and People Leader to join our team as a Rover, covering planned and unplanned absences, and providing training and support across Ministerial Offices as part of the 54th Parliament.

In this high impact role, you will sub in and lead tight knit, trusted, and high performing teams supporting Ministers within our coalition government. Roving suits those who thrive on variety, can build new relationships with ease, and pick up new processes at pace. It is interesting and rewarding work, offering a unique insight into the inner workings of government in a fascinating and fast-paced environment. 

This is a 6-month fixed-term position covering an internal secondment. The likely appointment range for this role is $125,529 – $139,476 per annum with starting salaries reflecting relevant skills and experience, as well as internal parity. 

What skills or experience would I need to be successful?

• Experience in the management and leadership of high performing teams 
• Extensive knowledge of the machinery of Government, and experience working with complex legislative and operational policy frameworks 
• Knowledge of and experience working with public sector requirements, processes, codes and guidelines, including experience in financial and business management processes
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to quickly build effective working relationships within the Minister’s teams, with your peers and with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A well-developed risk radar - you will be accustomed to anticipating and mitigating risk, operating on a “no surprises” basis, keeping the Minister and wider team informed of issues that impact on the workings of government.
• The ability to work and problem solve at pace, role modelling positivity, maturity and resilience

About us

Ministerial Resourcing is the team within the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) responsible for ensuring Ministers’ offices are suitably resourced with a range of highly skilled staff, who, in turn, provide a high level of support to the Minister, and ensure the smooth day to day running of their office.

As a Ministerial office staff member, you will be employed by DIA, and supported by our dedicated team of Portfolio Managers. Our purpose is to serve and connect people, communities and Government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation. In other words, it’s all about helping to make New Zealand better for New Zealanders. 

Interested? Apply today! 

Please note applicants must be Permanent Residents or NZ Citizens and are required to obtain and maintain a national security clearance at a Top Secret or above.  Prior to applying please assess your eligibility status using the Protective Security Requirements tool found here: Getting and maintaining a national security clearance | Protective Security Requirements   

Applications close Wednesday 13 May 2026, however we will be assessing and interviewing suitable applicants throughout this period – early applications are encouraged. For more information, please contact ministerial.resourcing@dia.govt.nz  To review the full job description, please click here. 

About us

Ministerial Resourcing is the team within the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) responsible for ensuring Ministers’ offices are suitably resourced with a range of highly skilled staff, who, in turn, provide a high level of support to the Minister, and ensure the smooth day to day running of their office.

As a Ministerial office staff member, you will be employed by DIA, and supported by our dedicated team of Portfolio Managers. Our purpose is to serve and connect people, communities and Government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation. In other words, it’s all about helping to make New Zealand better for New Zealanders.