About

• Ministerial Advisor (Level 2) – Hon Louise Upston
• Strategic advisory role supporting Hon Louise Upston
• Enhance Government policy decision-making
• Work across multiple In-Cabinet portfolios | Based on site at Parliament | $114,039 – $141,915
• A unique and rewarding opportunity to apply your skills and experience for the benefit of New Zealand.

The opportunity

• Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Social Development and Employment, Tourism and Hospitality, Disability Issues, Community and Voluntary Sector and Child Poverty Reduction, is seeking a trusted advisor to join her team. In this high impact role, you will have the opportunity to enhance Government policy decision making through the provision of high-quality, timely and sound political advice.
• What can I expect?
• As a Ministerial Advisor (Level 2), you will join a tight knit and trusted team responsible for supporting the Minister across her portfolios. You will apply your knowledge and experience to strategic policy and political advice to the Minister on her portfolio and parliamentary responsibilities, in alignment with the objectives of the Government.
• Being a natural relationship builder, you will develop and maintain strong working relationships with caucus, coalition and support parties in order to facilitate progress of policy and legislation within the Minister's portfolio responsibilities. You will manage the Ministerial office relationship with the Coalition and support party spokespeople and work with the Prime Minister's office on consultation matters.
• What skills or experience would I need to be successful?
• You will bring a history of achievement in the delivery of political, portfolio, or Government advisory work, with a strategic mindset and an excellent understanding of government and public service protocols and processes. Experience relevant to Hon Louise Upston’s portfolios would be advantageous.
• With a well-developed risk radar, you will be accustomed to anticipating and mitigating risk, operating on a “no surprises” basis, ensuring key risks are alerted to the Minister and Prime Minister’s Office as appropriate.
• You’ll be accustomed to the pressures that come with a high workload in a fast-paced environment, and the need to prioritise and manage your time effectively, and your written and verbal communication skills, paired with your attention to detail, are second to none.
• Relationships are important in this environment and your advanced communication and interpersonal skills will set you apart, building the confidence of the Minister, your wider team, coalition partners, and key stakeholders in the Ministers’ portfolios.
• You will be an NZ Citizen or have Permanent Residency, and an ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Role details

• Events-based, aligned with the 3-year parliamentary term
• Salary band: $114,039 – $141,915 (dependent on experience)

• 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 or above.
• Prior to applying please assess your eligibility status using the Protective Security Requirements tool found here: Getting and maintaining a national security clearance | Protective Security Requirements

Apply now

• Applications close 5:00pm, Friday 16 January 2026. For more information, contact Ministerial Resourcing.

• View the full job description here.

About Ministerial Resourcing

• 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.