Government Services Adviser

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 76,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

The Official Correspondence team at New Zealand Government manages Corrections' formal communications, drafting replies to official correspondence within set timeframes and to a high-quality standard.

Two positions available: one permanent and one fixed term to June 2027. Based on site at our National Office in Wellington CBD, with flexible start dates and a focus on OIA/Privacy Act expertise, strategic thinking, and strong written and oral communication.

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of the OIA and Privacy Act.
• Understanding of Corrections and the Justice Sector.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically; manage organisational risk.
• Proven ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in accurate record-keeping with confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare responses to official correspondence on behalf of the Department (OIA and Privacy Act requests; ministerial correspondence; queries from whānau).
• Undertake research and analysis to ensure enquiries are fully addressed and responses are robust.
• Peer review work to ensure consistency and quality of responses across the team.
• Provide expert advice to Departmental staff regarding OIA and Privacy Act requirements.

Skills

OIA and Privacy Act knowledge

Corrections/Justice sector awareness

Strategic and analytical thinking

Prioritise workloads and meet dead­lin

Written and oral communication

Record-keeping and confidentiality

Job description

Bring your organisational and people skills to a busy and varied workplace!

• Two positions available, one permanent, one fixed term until June 2027.
• Flexible start dates, with the ability to start in the New Year if preferred.
• Based on site at our National Office in Wellington's CBD.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Official Correspondence team manages Corrections' formal communications, serving as a vital connection between the department and the public. The team ensures that all responses to official correspondence are consistent, accurate, and effective. As a Government Services Adviser you will be responsible for drafting replies to official correspondence and other documents, within established timeframes, and to a high-quality standard.

Key role accountabilities

• Prepare responses to official correspondence on behalf of the Department : responses to Official Information Act (OIA) and Privacy Act requests, some ministerial correspondence and queries from family and whānau members.
• Undertake research and analysis to ensure enquiries are fully addressed and responses are robust.
• Peer reviewing work for each other ensuring consistency and quality of the responses across the team.
• Provide expert advice to Departmental employees, including building relationships, regarding OIA and Privacy Act legislation requirements.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• A good working knowledge of, and experience with, the OIA and the Privacy Act.
• An understanding of Corrections and the Justice Sector, including knowledge of Corrections' operational processes.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically, and to understand, identify, and manage organisational risk.
• Proven ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Proven experience in accurate record-keeping and handling sensitive information with confidentiality.

Please note, previous experience in managing complex or sensitive Privacy Act requests is particularly beneficial in this role.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The midpoint of the salary range is $89,225 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $75,842 - $107,070 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy. We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Applications close on : Sunday the 1st of November.

Contact: [e-mail].