Chief Risk & Assurance Officer

Jobtailor; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

DOC is seeking a senior leader to head its enterprise risk, assurance, integrity and compliance functions in Wellington. The role provides strategic advice to executives and governance forums, overseeing audit, investigations and protected disclosures while strengthening controls and governance across the organisation.

You will lead a small, high‑performing team, influence senior stakeholders, and help navigate risks associated with digital transformation and AI.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading enterprise risk, assurance, governance, integrity or compliance in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise risk management, audit and assurance frameworks.
• Experience overseeing investigations, protected disclosures, integrity matters or compliance activities.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders, executives and governance bodies.
• Experience leading organisational change, capability uplift or maturity improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, including executive reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in a large operational, regulatory or public sector environment.
• Understanding of AI governance, data privacy and regulatory stewardship (desirable).
• Knowledge of or experience in the public service and large operational organisations (desirable).
• Top secret clearance is required.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand with a valid work visa for the full period of employment.
• CV and cover letter required.

Responsibilities

• Lead DOC's enterprise risk, assurance, integrity and compliance functions.
• Provide strategic advice and independent insight to executives and governance forums.
• Oversee audit, investigations, compliance and protected disclosure activities.
• Strengthen organisational controls, accountability and assurance practices.
• Support organisational modernisation through effective risk management and governance.
• Lead a small, high-performing team and build strong relationships across DOC.
• Help DOC navigate opportunities and risks associated with digital transformation, automation and AI.

Skills

Enterprise Risk Management

Governance

Investigations

Compliance Activities

Stakeholder Engagement

Executive Reporting

Change Management

Data Privacy Understanding

AI Governance

Top Secret Clearance

Job description

DOC is seeking a senior leader to head its enterprise risk, assurance, integrity and compliance functions in Wellington. The role provides strategic advice to executives and governance forums, overseeing audit, investigations and protected disclosures while strengthening controls and governance across the organisation.

You will lead a small, high‑performing team, influence senior stakeholders, and help navigate risks associated with digital transformation and AI.