Manager Ministerial and Accountability Services

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Lead a critical team delivering ministerial and accountability services for Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
• Drive quality, integrity and continuous improvement at the heart of government
• Influence decision-making at the highest levels of government
• Permanent, full-time role | Wellington-based
• Salary range: $132,417 – $160,472 + KiwiSaver & Wellness benefit

Manager, Ministerial and Accountability Services – Immigration New Zealand

We’re seeking an experienced, empathetic and capable people leader to step into a highly visible role at the centre of ministerial servicing, public accountability and government decision-making.

As Manager, Ministerial and Accountability Services, you will lead a skilled team of principal, senior and business advisors, setting the strategic direction and quality standards for the delivery of accurate, timely and trusted advice. Your leadership will support Ministers and senior leaders and contribute to the integrity, transparency and performance of the immigration system.

This is a rare opportunity for a confident leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments, builds strong trusting relationships, and brings sound judgement and political awareness to sensitive and high-impact work.

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

Reporting to the Head of the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Immigration, you will be a member of the Office of the Deputy Secretary leadership team and play a key role in supporting delivery of the immigration system’s strategic plan.

You will lead the effective delivery of ministerial and accountability services across three core areas:

• Official Information Act (OIA) responses, including Ministerial OIAs and oversight of related Ombudsman complaints.
• Ministerial engagement, including managing the interface between Immigration New Zealand and Ministers’ offices, Ministerial correspondence, weekly reporting, requests for information, and Parliamentary Questions.
• Public accountability requirements, including coordination of Estimates and Annual Review materials and managing the process for designating immigration officials to make statutory decisions.
  
  

In this role, you will:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of a high-performing team, ensuring delivery to deadlines and quality standards.
• Act as an escalation point for complex, high-risk or sensitive matters, including sign-out of significant OIA responses.
• Design and embed continuous improvement in processes, performance targets and ways of working.
• Build capability, confidence and consistency across the team through coaching, mentoring and clear expectations.
• Provide expert advice on ministerial servicing best practice and contribute to system-wide improvements across MBIE.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana -

Skills and Experience Required

We are keen to hear from experienced public sector leaders who combine strong people leadership with a deep understanding of the machinery of government. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a high-performing, service-focused team.
• Strong knowledge of ministerial servicing, public accountability and machinery of government processes.
• Excellent judgement, political awareness and the ability to manage sensitive and complex issues.
• Experience driving continuous improvement in operational or advisory environments.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking capability.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• A commitment to public service values and to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
  
  

You may currently be leading a ministerial, accountability, governance or risk function in a complex public sector organisation.

Applicants must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident Visa holder.

About the Team

The Ministerial and Accountability Services role reports to the Head of the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Immigration. The role is a member of the Office of the Deputy Secretary leadership team.

The Ministerial and Accountability Services team plays a pivotal role in supporting the integrity and transparency of the immigration system. You will join a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your leadership and expertise will have a visible impact across Immigration New Zealand and MBIE.

Why Join Us?

At MBIE, our purpose is to Grow Aotearoa New Zealand for All by putting people at the heart of our mahi.

This role offers:

• Strategic exposure at the highest levels of the public service.
• The opportunity to influence public accountability and Ministerial confidence.
• Leadership of a highly trusted, high-impact function.
• A supportive organisation that values integrity, wellbeing and professional growth.
  
  

If you are motivated by influence, quality and leadership at scale, and want to make a meaningful contribution at the heart of government, we’d love to hear from you.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description.

When you are ready to apply please send a CV and cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for this role. All applications must be submitted via our online process.

We can't wait to hear from you! Email Nik Sharma at nikhil.sharma@mbie.govt.nz quoting ref MBIE/19394 if you have any further questions.

Applications close on Tuesday, 28 April 2026