noun
deputy secretary; deputy director
A government title for a deputy or vice position, such as a deputy secretary or deputy director in a ministry or agency.
彼は内閣府の副長官に任命された。
He was appointed Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary.
副長官が記者会見で新しい政策を発表した。
The deputy secretary announced the new policy at the press conference.
次官 is a vice-minister or permanent secretary, often a higher rank than 副長官, which is more commonly a deputy director or deputy secretary.
Compound of 副 (vice-, deputy) and 長官 (chief, secretary, director).