Private Secretary (Executive Support) - Hon Doocey

Department of Internal Affairs; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is seeking a Private Secretary (Executive Support) to provide vital administrative assistance in a ministerial office. The ideal candidate will excel in interpersonal skills and possess a strong background in executive assistance. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in government operations and support the Minister’s initiatives, with a competitive salary ranging from $81,441 to $90,490 per annum.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in an EA/PA or team administration role.
• Ability to manage travel bookings and solve problems quickly.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to gain confidence of various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the ministerial office.
• Manage ministerial correspondence and coordinate meetings.
• Support the Senior Private Secretary in diary management and logistics.

Skills

Executive Assistance

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Social Media Management

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Job description

Description

Private Secretary (Executive Support) – Office of Hon Matt Doocey

• Launch your career at the heart of government
• Deliver executive support in a dynamic ministerial office
• Unique opportunity based onsite at Parliament
• Likely appointment range: $81,441 – $90,490 per annum.

Apply your outstanding administrative experience working in the heart of Government.

The opportunity

We are seeking a motivated and highly organised individual to join a busy ministerial office as a Private Secretary (Executive Support). This role is ideal for someone looking to take the next step in their public service career or enter the political environment for the first time, utilising their previous administration or social media experience.

Working at the centre of government, you will be part of a tight-knit and trusted team supporting Hon Matt Doocey for the remainder of the 54th Parliament. As Minister for Mental Health, Hon Doocey leads vital work to improve wellbeing outcomes across New Zealand. He also holds the Associate Health portfolio, contributing to broader health initiatives alongside his leadership in mental health.

This is interesting and rewarding work, offering a unique insight into the inner workings of government in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You’ll be exposed to high-level decision-making, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and public communications—including opportunities to support the Minister’s presence across social media platforms. Strong digital communication skills and an understanding of how to tailor messages for different audiences will be an asset in this role.

As Private Secretary (Executive Support), you will provide a range of administrative support to this busy ministerial office. You’ll be the ‘face of the office’—greeting visitors, responding to queries via email and phone, and helping ensure the smooth day-to-day running of operations. You can expect to take responsibility for ministerial correspondence and coordinate meeting and invitation requests. You will also assist with Written Parliamentary Questions and Official Information Act requests as needed.

Your role will include supporting the Senior Private Secretary with diary management, travel planning, and logistics. At times, you will provide cover for the Senior Private Secretary, leading the wider office in delivering exceptional service.

This is an events-based position aligned with the Parliamentary Term. We offer competitive salaries reflecting relevant skills and experience, as well as internal parity.

What skills or experience would I need to be successful?

• Demonstrated experience in an EA / PA or team administration role, including managing travel bookings
• An ability to work and solve problems at pace, with a high level of resilience
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to gain the confidence of the Minister and a diverse range of stakeholders
• Previous experience drafting and managing Official Information Act (OIA) responses would be preferred, but not essential
• Experience drafting and managing social media channels would be preferred, but not essential
• Proficiency in Microsoft programmes; you will bring your speedy keyboard skills, flair for multi-tasking and an eye for detail
• A passion for politics, and a desire to build your career in the heart of government
• A good knowledge of the machinery of government, OIAs, and Written or Oral Parliamentary questions would be advantageous.

Interested? Apply today!

Please note applicants must be permanent residents or NZ citizens and are required to obtain and maintain a national security clearance. Please assess your eligibility status using the Protective Security Requirements tool found here: https://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/personnel-security/clearances/eligibility-tool/

Please note a written exercise will be part of the recruitment process.

To review the full job description, please click here.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 5th October 2025. We will be assessing and interviewing suitable applicants throughout this period – early applications are encouraged. For more information, please contact [e-mail]