Senior Private Secretary (Outside Cabinet) Hon Grigg

Senior Private Secretary to Hon Nicola Grigg

• Fixed-Term – 10 Months (To cover a secondment)
• Location: Wellington
• Work in the heart of the government Interesting and diverse portfolios:  
• Leadership role, Based on site at Parliament
• Salary Range: $109,000 – $136,000

Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Minister for Women, Associate Minister of Agriculture, Associate Minister for ACC and MP for Selwyn is seeking an experienced Senior Private Secretary to join their team.

This is a 10-month fixed-term opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the Minister across a diverse and high-profile portfolio. The Senior Private Secretary is responsible for leading the Minister’s office, managing workflow, coordinating advice and correspondence, and ensuring the Minister is well-supported in her parliamentary and portfolio responsibilities.

The opportunity:

In this high impact role, you will lead a tight knit, trusted, and highly performing team who support Minister Grigg as part of the 54th Parliament. It is unique and rewarding work, in a high impact and genuinely fast-paced environment. 

This is an events-based position based on the present parliamentary term. The likely appointment range for this role is $109,000 - $136,000 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?

• Leading and managing the Minister’s office team, including Private Secretaries and support staff
• Extensive knowledge of the machinery of Government, and experience working with complex legislative and operational policy frameworks 
• An interest in or experience in Minister Grigg’s portfolios would be advantageous
• 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 team, 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

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the work of a dynamic Minister and make a meaningful impact across several important portfolios.

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 confidential level or above.  Prior to applying please assess your eligibility status using the Protective Security Requirements tool found here: https://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/personnel-security/clearances/eligibility-tool/

Applications close Friday 1 August 2025, 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.