Inspector OPCAT

NZ Ombudsman; Wellington; On-site; NZD 98,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Annual leave enhancements

Onsite gym and wellness

Professional development

Job summary

Office of the Ombudsman in Wellington invites applications for the Inspector OPCAT role. You will support the Chief Ombudsman by monitoring places of detention, conducting inspections and gathering evidence across New Zealand, including health and disability facilities, prisons and detention centres.

The role involves travel across New Zealand, strong communication and analytical skills, and a commitment to human rights.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, incl. building rapport with diverse people.
• Experience in evidence-based research and analysis is essential.
• Understanding of national and international law, standards and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief Ombudsman to monitor, inspect and report on places of detention (health and disability facilities, prisons, immigration detention centres).
• Carry out inspections, gather evidence and contribute to reports and recommendations.
• Travel across New Zealand with the team on a regular basis.

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in legal/medical/social work/cultural/defence/community policing or education

Job description

Mo te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata - About the OmbudsmanThe Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.Mo to matou tira - About the teamThe OPCAT team is responsible for monitoring the conditions and treatment of people detained in prisons, court cells, immigration facilities, and health and disability facilities such as intellectual disability and mental health units and secure privately run aged care facilities.Mo te turanga - About the roleThe role of Inspector OPCAT is to assist the Chief Ombudsman to monitor, inspect and report on places of detention, including health and disability places of detention, prisons, immigration detention centres, managed isolation and quarantine facilities, and secure aged care facilities.You'll work as part of team to carry out inspections, gather evidence and contribute to reports and recommendations. You'll be travelling across New Zealand with other staff on a regular basis.He korero mou - About youTo be successful in this role you will have:A relevant tertiary qualification and experience in a legal, medical, social work, cultural, defence, community policing or education field.Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build rapport and engagement quickly with a diverse range of people.An understanding of relevant national and international law, standards and best practice.An understanding of and ability to recognise and understand key Maori, disability, and other cultural and human rights concepts.Experience in visiting or working in, or an understanding of places of detention, such as health and disability units, aged care facilities or prison facilities.Experience in undertaking evidence based research and analysis, including conducting interviews and site visits to obtain key information.Te painga o te mahi tahi me matou - Our benefits, what we offerBecoming part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your teamFlexible working optionsCompetitive remunerationThree extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employmentOnsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employeesThree paid office holidays between Christmas and New YearEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to professional supervisionMe pehea te tono - How to applyTo apply, click on the `Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email [e-mail] applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.As the Ombudsman's role is to provide \"fairness for all\" New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $98,182 to $128,864 with $122,728 being the mid-point.This role is based in Wellington. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.Applications Close: 20 November 2026