Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Ministerial Advisor to Hon Mark Patterson
- Utilise your expertise working within government or parliamentary processes
- Build you career while contributing to government policy decision making
- Diverse portfolios | Based on site at Parliament | $114,039 - $141,915
The opportunity:
Hon Mark Patterson, Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture and Regional Development is seeking a Ministerial Advisor to join his team. In this high impact role, you will contribute to Government policy decision-making through the provision of high quality, timely and sound political advice. It is unique and rewarding work, in a fast-paced environment. In addition to these advisory responsibilities, you may also manage any media related matters for the Minister and his office too.
What can I expect?
As a Ministerial Advisor, you will join a tight knit and trusted team responsible for supporting the Minister across his portfolios. You will be responsible for providing general and political advice to the Minister across his portfolios and parliamentary responsibilities, and will develop effective relationships with Caucus, coalition and support parties to facilitate progress of policy and legislation. You will be expected to develop your communication experience to be able to provide effective media support for the Minister too.
This is an events-based position based on the current parliamentary term.
What skills or experience would I need to be successful?
- 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
- Relevant communications experience such as being able to prepare appropriate speech notes, media releases, articles, interviews, social media, media briefings or background information
- Well-developed communication skills and political nous, enabling you to quickly build effective working relationships within the Minister's team, with your peers and with key internal and external stakeholders.
- An excellent understanding of government and public service protocols and processes, which leads to effective decision making.
- Experience relevant to Hon Patterson's portfolios would be advantageous.
- Exceptional time management skills and the ability to work independently while staying connected to and contributing to team results.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills along with attention to detail are essential.
- Previous experience working in a ministerial office or government department are highly desirable.
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 Top Secret level. 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 Wednesday 18 June 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.