Investigator (Proactive Interventions)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Genuine career progression

Onsite gym and wellness facilities

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Job summary

Nz Ombudsman is seeking an Investigator to contribute to proactive interventions and investigations into public sector administration and information practices. You will work in a newly created team applying case studies, resolutions, and focused investigations to address system-wide issues.

Under senior guidance, you will help develop innovative interventions and deliver work that supports the Office’s sector improvement goals, while adhering to relevant legislation and practices.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in public or administrative law or related discipline.
• Knowledge of the Ombudsman’s role, jurisdiction and applicable legislation.
• Experience with official information legislation or regulatory investigations.
• Ability to conduct interviews and synthesize findings.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to proactive interventions and investigations into public sector administration issues and information practices.
• Develop and apply methodologies for case studies, resolutions and targeted investigations.
• Identify improvement opportunities and work with agencies to resolve issues.
• Produce written reports and participate in delivering sector improvement goals.

Skills

Public sector law

Investigation practices

Regulatory compliance

Interviews/analysis

Autonomous work

Education

Tertiary qualification in public/admin law

Job description

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

The 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.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team

Our Proactive Interventions team is responsible for a dual mandate. Firstly, it identifies and leads interventions and investigations aimed at improving administrative decision making across the public sector. Secondly, it investigates agencies' compliance and practice with the Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA). These practice reviews look at five key areas including leadership, organizational structure and capability, policies, practice, and performance monitoring.

This work assists agencies to identify and correct administrative deficiencies, including where significant systemic issues are identified.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

As an Investigator you will contribute to the team's delivery of proactive interventions and investigations into public sector administration issues and public sector official information practices. You will be part of a newly created team that conducts practice investigations and designs and develops innovative and timely interventions or investigations that address system-wide administrative issues. The focus is on identifying areas for improvement and working collaboratively with agencies to resolve issues. You will develop and utilise a range of methodologies such as case studies, resolutions, focused interventions and investigations, developing examples of good practice, solutions and guides. Working under the guidance of senior staff, you will play a key role in delivering work that contributes to the Office's wider sector improvement goals.

He kōrero mōu – About you

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public or administrative law or a related discipline.
• A sound understanding of the role and functions of the Ombudsman.
• Knowledge of the Ombudsmen's jurisdiction, relevant legislation, and investigation practices.
• A sound understanding of New Zealand public sector practice, operational contexts, and challenges.
• An ability to recognise and understand key cultural and human rights concepts, including the te Tiriti o Waitangi and disability perspectives.
• Experience in working with official information legislation or in a similar regulatory, investigative, compliance environment or in undertaking research and analysis, including conducting interviews to obtain key information.
• Experience in undertaking research, analysis, and conducting interviews.
• Experience in contributing to the preparation of written reports.
• Proven ability to work autonomously on complex matters while contributing effectively to a team-oriented environment.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer

Becoming 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 team
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Three extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand.

Appointees will be subject to a 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 or Auckland. Occasional travel will be required. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.

Applications Close: 5 pm on 15 October 2026