Chief Assurance Officer

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 186,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai in Wellington is seeking a senior leader to head risk, assurance and integrity across the organisation. You will shape enterprise risk management, governance and compliance while advising executives and governance groups.

In this role you will guide audits, investigations and protected disclosures, build strong controls, and lead a small high-performing team to deliver robust assurance and confidence in decision-making.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading enterprise risk, assurance, governance, integrity or compliance functions.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and governance bodies.
• Experience in large, complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise risk, audit, investigations, integrity and compliance functions.
• Provide strategic advice and independent insight to executives and governance forums.
• Oversee investigations, protected disclosures and organisational compliance activities.
• Lead a small, high-performing team and build relationships across DOC.

Skills

Enterprise risk management

Governance

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Executive reporting

Job description

Lead DOC's risk, assurance and integrity function Salary-$186,213-$267,681 Permanent, full-time role. Wellington location preferred/ flexible location.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Help shape the future integrity, assurance and risk performance of New Zealand's leading conservation organisation.

About the role | He angitūtanga

This is a unique opportunity to lead DOC's enterprise risk, assurance, integrity functions while helping shape the future performance and accountability of a large, operational organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders and governance groups, you'll provide independent, trusted advice that supports strategic decision-making and strengthens organisational confidence. Building on strong foundations, you'll help ensure DOC leverages the systems, insights and assurance you lead, to deliver better outcomes for nature and New Zealanders.

Responsible for the Business Assurance function, within the Public Affairs Group, you'll lead a broad portfolio spanning enterprise risk, audit and assurance, investigations, integrity, protected disclosures and organisational compliance. You'll also help DOC navigate emerging opportunities and risks associated with digital transformation, automation and AI.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading and evolving DOC's enterprise risk, assurance, integrity and compliance functions
• Providing strategic advice and independent insight to executives and governance forums
• Overseeing audit, investigations, compliance and protected disclosure activities
• Strengthening organisational controls, accountability and assurance practices
• Supporting organisational modernisation through effective risk management and governance
• Leading a small, high-performing team and building strong relationships across DOC

Skills and experience | Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako

You'll be a credible and influential leader who can build trust quickly, provide independent advice, and confidently navigate complex organisational issues. You'll understand how effective risk management and assurance enable successful outcomes, while knowing when to challenge, influence and support others to achieve them. You will be comfortable operating at executive level, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery and bringing people together to drive meaningful organisational improvement.

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Significant experience leading enterprise risk, assurance, governance, integrity or compliance functions within a large and complex organisation
• Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management, audit and assurance frameworks
• Experience overseeing investigations, protected disclosures, integrity matters or organisational compliance activities
• Demonstrated success influencing senior leaders, executives and governance bodies
• Experience leading organisational change, capability uplift or maturity improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication skills, including executive reporting, facilitation and stakeholder engagement
• Experience working within a large operational, regulatory or public sector environments

Desirable:

• Understanding of emerging governance and assurance issues, including AI, data privacy and regulatory stewardship
• Knowledge of, or experience within, the public service and within a large operational organisation

Locations:

Wellington (preferred), Auckland or Christchurch.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Tono ināianei

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday 18 September 2026.

Note, this position requires top secret clearance.

The salary range for this position is $186,213-$267,681 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory. This includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

For further enquiries, contact Annie Colebrook at [e-mail]

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC