Manager Risk and Assurance

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 154,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Internal Affairs seeks a transformational leader to head Risk and Assurance, strengthening governance and internal audit across the organisation. You will set frameworks, policies and practices to identify and manage risk, deliver a high‑quality audit programme, and support executive decision-making.

You will guide senior leaders, influence strategy, and drive a culture of continuous improvement while developing high‑performing teams and strong stakeholder relationships across the

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading enterprise risk, assurance or internal audit functions.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive organisational improvement.
• Strong governance, risk management and internal controls knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Risk and Assurance team, delivering fit-for-purpose frameworks and an effective audit programme.
• Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leadership and governance forums.
• Build capability across the organisation and foster collaborative relationships for continuous improvement.

Skills

Risk leadership

Internal audit

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector experience

Education

CIA/CISA certifications

Job description

About Us

Mō mātou Enterprise Services | Nuku Toiere plays a pivotal role in shaping how the organisation operates and succeeds. As an enterprise-wide function, the branch delivers high-impact services across finance, people and culture, communications, and strategy, governance and risk, supporting informed decision-making and strong organisational performance.

The role

This is a key leadership role responsible for strengthening risk management, assurance and internal audit across the Department. You'll lead the Risk and Assurance team, ensuring fit-for-purpose frameworks, policies and practices are in place to identify and manage risk, deliver a high-quality internal audit programme, and support effective governance. Working closely with the Secretary, Executive Leadership Team and senior leaders, you'll provide trusted strategic advice, influence decision-making, and drive a strong risk and assurance culture. You'll also build capability across the organisation, foster collaborative relationships, and ensure assurance activities deliver practical insights that support continuous improvement and organisational performance.

What you bring

Proven experience leading enterprise risk, assurance or internal audit functions within a large, complex organisation. Strong understanding of governance, risk management, internal controls and assurance frameworks, ideally within the public sector. A strategic mindset with the ability to influence senior leaders, provide trusted advice and drive organisational improvement. Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and relationship management skills, with confidence working across executive and governance forums. Relevant audit or assurance qualifications such as CIA and/or CISA.

For you

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The salary range for this role is $154,209 - $191,905, with appointments likely to be made around the midpoint of $171,343.

Applications for this role close 5pm, Thursday 17 September 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. If you have any questions, please email Jayden Vallabh - [e-mail].