Senior Executive Assistant

About the Role

This full-time, permanent position based in Wellington offers an influential role supporting the Deputy Director-General of Performance & Governance at the Ministry of Health New Zealand. Beyond traditional executive support, this role serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor, facilitating high-quality decision-making and acting as a crucial liaison across leadership and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Expertly manage the Deputy Director-General's diary, correspondence, meetings, travel arrangements, and daily priorities, ensuring their time is used most effectively.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director-General and leadership team to coordinate priorities, identify risks, provide insights on sequencing and trade-offs, and maintain clear oversight across the group.
• Drive thorough coordination, quality assurance, and timely delivery of performance and governance documents, synthesizing and aligning information for decision readiness.
• Manage executive and ministerial processes by prioritizing requests, coordinating inputs, and overseeing sensitive matters with sound judgment, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Build strong system-wide relationships while promoting continuous improvement and supporting equitable, effective working practices.

Candidate Profile

• Proven ability in relationship management, establishing trust and representing senior leaders confidently in high-pressure, complex settings.
• Experience supporting senior executives, juggling competing demands with discretion and influencing outcomes through effective advice and coordination.
• Prior knowledge of Machinery of Government processes and public sector decision-making, with the ability to anticipate needs and align information to facilitate decisions.
• Strong analytical and proactive mindset capable of simplifying complexity, connecting relevant information, and offering practical insights for executive decisions.
• Advanced organizational and communication skills, adept at prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines with accuracy, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Experienced EA/PA, preferable in government settings, with proficient Microsoft Office skills and ability to engage with senior stakeholders, including Ministers’ offices.

Benefits

• 4.4 weeks of annual leave per year.
• Wellness allowance provided after completing 12 months with the Ministry.
• Supportive work environment focused on well-being, diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development within a supportive team culture.

Additional Information

• Salary ranges between $75,952 and $94,848 annually, depending on experience.
• The role plays a high-impact part in enabling executive decisions and influencing outcomes.
• The Ministry is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.
• Applications close on Sunday, 19th July 2026 at midnight.
• Interviews may occur at any time during the application period, and the position may close early if sufficient candidates apply.
• Recruitment agency submissions are not being considered for this role.