Senior Executive Assistant
Date: 17 Mar 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
About us | Mō mātou
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.
About the role | Mō te tūnga
- Based at National Office in Wellington
- 12 month fixed term/secondment
- Influential support to senior leadership
Make a significant impact, with responsibility for the day-to-day management of the office for our Director and team.
The Office of the Chief Executive is a fast paced, dynamic place to work, with a supportive team focused on providing the best support to the Chief Executive and the Ministry as a whole.
As Senior Executive Assistant, you will enable the Director to operate at their best. Day-to-day you will be responsible for the management and support of the Office of the Chief Executive, the diary of the Director, travel arrangements, organising internal and external stakeholder meetings and preparing documentation and presentations.
You may also have the opportunity to support the Chief Executive when their EA takes leave, enhancing your Senior Executive Assistant skills and helping you further your administrative career.
This role enables you to gain experience in the political sphere by supporting the Minister's Office with the compilation of the weekly official’s packs.
To be successful in this role, you must have a positive can-do attitude and be proficient across the suite of Microsoft products. Knowledge of MSD systems including WEKA (oracle) and MyHR would be advantageous.
We are seeking a professional with proven experience, sound judgement, and the ability to stay organised and effective in a dynamic environment.
What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga:
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:
• Experience supporting a senior leader, ideally in a large or complex organisation
• Political acumen and excellent judgement
• Adaptability to diverse situations and needs
• Outstanding communication skills and attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage confidential information and build trust
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft products, office systems, and financial processes
• Ability to collaborate across all levels
• Understanding of the public sector and Te Ao Māori
To fulfil the requirement of this position a security clearance level is required: Minimum of Confidential
Ready to Apply?
If you are passionate about supporting senior leaders and thrive in a collaborative, values-driven environment, we encourage you to apply and help us make a difference.
Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00
How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.
Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.
All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz
Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.
Closing date: 29 March 2026
Joining us | Ko te hono mai
Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.
MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.
