Staatssecretaris

An undersecretary is an executive government official in many countries, frequently a career public servant, who typically acts as a senior administrator or second-in-command to a politically appointed Cabinet Minister or other government official. The title is used in many different political systems.

In the Holy See, undersecretary is a title given to senior administrative officials working in the dicasteries of the Roman Curia.

In Hong Kong, undersecretary is a position created in 2008 to work closely with bureau secretaries and top civil servants to implement the Chief Executive's policy blueprint and agenda in an executive-led government. The appointment of undersecretaries and political assistants is an extension of the Principal Officials Accountability System into today's Political Appointments System.

In India, Undersecretary is an officer level secretariat post in Central ministries, tenanted by officers of various civil services, usually promoted officers from the Group 'B' (Section Officers) of Central Secretariat Service(CSS), or the Newly Appointed officers of the Indian Administrative Service, abbreviated as IAS, or other Group 'A' services on deputation in Central Govt in early stages of their careers with Minimum 7 to 8 Years of Service.

Officers in this capacity further manage Desk or Section Officers within a Ministry or Central Regulatory body. Under Secretaries occupy gazetted civil service posts in India, unlike in some western democracies, where they are political appointees. An Under Secretary will typically report to a Deputy Secretary, or a Director to the Government of India.

In Italy, Undersecretary is a second-in-command to a politically appointed Minister. In particular, he/she is appointed with a President of the Republic Decree, on proposal of the Prime Minister, who previously agreed such proposal with the relevant Minister.

...
Wikipedia