Private Secretary

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

Seeking expressions of interest for two Private Secretary roles within the Energy portfolio.

• Fixed-term or Secondment positions for 18 months based in Wellington
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced and challenging role?
• Are you eager to use your superior influencing, negotiation and multi-tasking skills to make a difference at the political interface?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Tenei turanga - About the Role :

These positions are based in the office of the relevant Minister—currently Minister Watts—and report to the Head of the Office of the Deputy Secretary.

One of the roles also provides support to the Auckland portfolio, for which Minister Brown is currently responsible.

This is a Wellington-based opportunity, offered as a full-time fixed-term or secondment for 18 months, commencing later this calendar year.

Private Secretaries are the bridge between the Minister's office and MBIE.

This means we are looking for someone who can build strong relationships with others, exercise excellent judgement and self-manage.

The role will reward you with a unique experience during which you will develop invaluable communication, relationship, and judgement skills to take with you into your future career.

You will be well supported along the way with a firm focus on your pastoral care and how to succeed as a Private Secretary.

Energy is a fast-paced and dynamic portfolio with a significant and complex work programme.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to this critical portfolio.

Preferably you will have an understanding of the issues related to the portfolio.

You are a policy professional who is very knowledgeable about the machinery of government and how the legislative process works.

You will be known for your ability to take initiative, identify and manage risk, and clearly communicate with others.

You will have excellent relationship management skills and very sound judgement, with demonstrated experience working confidently with senior leaders and ministers.

You will be looking to further develop your political nous, have a passion for being in the thick of it and relish the opportunity to be exposed to decision-making at the highest level.

Internal candidates will receive up to $10,000 per annum in higher duties allowance and an extra weeks leave at the end of the secondment term.

External candidates will be offered a comparable fixed term salary.

In addition, private secretary roles put you at the heart of decision making, giving you excellent insights into the working of government, a great way to build connections across the public sector and advance your career.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

What you will need to bring

This role would suit a person who thrives in a fast-paced and challenging role, and therefore you will need :

This role requires the candidate to be able to gain and maintain a Confidential security clearance.

This is an office and Wellington based position.

Working from home is not suitable for this position.

Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE :

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity – Hikina Whakatutuki – which broadly means 'lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Maori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mohio ana a Hikina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kotuinga I waenganui i a ngai Maori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a, kei te whai ia ki te whakau ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ma te whai kiko o nga kotuinga ahungaroa o ngai wi, o ngai Maori, me etahi atu ropu Maori ki te Karauna, katutuki tenei.

He ahuatanga nui tenei e ahei ai nga mahi whanaketanga a-ohanga, a-papori hoki ki a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui.

E whai tonu ana matou ki te kotui atu ki nga iwi mo te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i nga kaupapakua roa nei e tami ana i a ngai Maori me Aotearoa whanui, a, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i nga aheinga kokiritanga ma nga iwi, me te tautoko i nga iwi kia whai mana ake ai enei aheinga.

Me pehea te tono - How to Apply :

Click here to view a position description.

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Marie Manley at

Applications close on Thursday 16th October