Principal Advisor Branch Performance

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 129,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor to partner with senior leaders, providing strategic insight, judgement and oversight across high-profile priorities. You will influence at senior levels and help shape direction for major programs, supporting governance, performance and accountability across the organisation.

You will collaborate across Branches and agencies, identify strategic risks, and lead priority initiatives to lift performance and capability,

Qualifications

• New Zealand citizenship and ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
• Experience briefing senior leaders on complex or high-profile issues.
• Proven ability to work across government agencies and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders and support decision-making on complex issues.
• Lead and contribute to branch and departmental planning, governance and performance processes.
• Build strong relationships across government agencies and stakeholder groups to enable delivery of outcomes.
• Identify and manage strategic risks and opportunities for the department.
• Lead priority projects to improve organisational performance and capability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Political acumen

Relationship management

Briefing senior leaders

Cross-government coordination

Security clearance planning

Job description

About Us | Mo matouThe Department of Internal Affairs is seeking an exceptional Principal Advisor to join our Branch Performance team. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with senior leaders, providing strategic advice, thought leadership, and oversight across some of the Department's most complex and high-profile priorities. The role supports the Deputy Secretary and Director Branch Performance to drive organisational performance, strengthen accountability, and ensure effective delivery of strategic outcomes.The role | Te tungaAs Principal Advisor, you will act as a senior strategic partner to leadership, providing insight, judgement and advice on emerging opportunities, risks and issues. You will work across organisational boundaries, influence at senior levels, and help shape the direction of significant programmes of work.You will:Provide trusted strategic advice to senior leaders and support decision-making on complex and sensitive issues.Lead and contribute to branch and departmental planning, governance, accountability and performance processes.Build strong relationships across government agencies and stakeholder groups.Support leadership teams to identify and manage strategic risks and opportunities.Lead priority projects and initiatives that improve organisational performance and capability.What you'll bring | Nou te rourouWe're interested in candidates who bring a combination of strategic leadership, political acumen and exceptional relationship management skills.You'll bring experience working with Ministers' offices and senior leaders, briefing on complex or high-profile issues, and navigating the machinery of government. You'll provide clear strategic advice and sound judgement in fast-moving, ambiguous environments.You'll work confidently across the Branch and agencies to deliver collective outcomes. Experience in national security, all-of-government coordination or the ODESC environment would be a strong advantage.You'll build trusted relationships with leaders across the Branch to support development and delivery of the Identity Services Improvement Roadmap.All candidates must be New Zealand citizens and have the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. You can check your eligibility for a national security clearance at www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/guidance/getting-a-national-security-clearance/eligibility-tool.For you | MouAt 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 be encouraged to challenge the status quo.To learn more about the diverse and important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work, visit our website: https://www.dia.govt.nzSalary range: $129,271 - $160,871 per annum. To download a copy of the job description please click here - RIS_BP_Principal_Advisor_Branch_Performance.pdfHow to apply | Me pehea te tuku tonoWe are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the Apply button to submit your application.We're committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If there is any support we can provide to help you participate fully in the process, please let us know.Applications close Sunday 25 October 2026.For further information, please contact Jo Attewell at [e-mail].