Private Secretary (Executive Support)

Private Secretary (Executive Support) – Office of Hon Nicola Willis

• Kickstart your career in the heart of the government 
• Provide executive support to a busy ministerial office   
• Unique opportunity | Based on site at Parliament 
• Likely appointment range $81,441 - $90,460  

The opportunity: 

We are seeking a motivated and highly organised Executive Assistant to join a busy ministerial office as a Private Secretary (Executive Support). Working at the centre of government, you will join a tight-knit and trusted team who will support Hon Nicola Willis for the remainder of the 54th Parliament. In addition to the Finance portfolio, the Minister also holds the Economic Growth and Social Investment portfolios. This is interesting and rewarding work, offering a unique insight into the inner workings of government in a fascinating and fast-paced environment. 

As a Private Secretary (Executive Support) your new role will see you provide a range of administrative support to this busy ministerial office. You will be the ‘face of the office’ greeting visitors as they arrive, you’ll help respond to a range of queries via email and over the phone, and in general will provide critical support in keeping things running smoothly. You could expect to have responsibility for ministerial correspondence and the facilitation of meeting and invitation requests.  You may also provide support with Written Parliamentary Questions and Official Information Act requests where required. Your role will include assisting the Senior Private Secretary with managing the Minister’s diary, planning and booking travel. You will at times provide cover for the Senior Private Secretary, leading the wider office in the delivery of unrivalled service.

This is an events-based position based on the parliamentary term. The likely appointment range for this role is $81,441 - $90,490 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?

• Demonstrated experience in an EA / PA or team administration role 
• 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 
• Proficiency in Microsoft programmes; you will bring your speedy typing 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/

To review the full job description, please click here.

Applications close Wednesday 13 August 2025 however we will be assessing and interviewing suitable applicants throughout this period – early applications are encouraged. For more information, please contact [email protected]