Principal Advisor Governance and Government Services

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Wellington seeks a Principal Advisor to lead strategy, governance, and continuous improvement across the Governance and Government Services Directorate. You will partner with the Director and senior leaders to deliver high-quality services and products, shaping policy and performance across the public sector.

You will bring wide public policy experience, strategic leadership, and strong communication, coaching, and stakeholder engagement to influence Ministers,

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing business strategy, including planning, performance measurement, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of government processes, public administration, and the wider public sector environment.
• Political awareness and an understanding of the relationship between Ministers' offices and government agencies.
• Ability to analyse information and provide evidence-based advice on performance, trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and present to a range of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of strategy, continuous improvement, systems and processes across GGS.
• Provide evidence-based advice to senior leaders to drive performance and value for DOC.
• Influence decision-making and governance across public entities and ministerial relationships.
• Coach, mentor, and quality-assure teams to achieve high performance and outcomes.
• Uphold public service values and Te Tiriti principles in governance and operations.

Skills

Strategy

Continuous improvement

Public sector

Stakeholder mgmt

Performance analysis

Education

Public policy

Public administration

Job description

Lead the delivery of strategy, continuous improvement, systems and processes.Salary between $125,600 - $162,525 based on skills and experience.Permanent role in Wellington.Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaHe angitutanga | About the roleGovernance and Government Services (GGS) sits at the centre of DOC's accountability, governance and parliamentary responsibilities. The Directorate supports Ministers, the Director-General and senior leaders to meet legislative obligations, deliver quality services and maintain trusted relationships with stakeholders across the public sector.As Principal Advisor, you will support the Director and managers of Governance and Government Services (GGS) to deliver consistent, responsive and high-quality services and products across the directorate's functions, including:Ministerial and parliamentary servicingPrivacy and Official Information Act deliveryGovernance of conservation entitiesOmbudsmen enquiries and management of formal public complaintsThe position is less focused on technical leadership and more on providing strategic leadership, organisational influence, and business improvement across GGS. You will bring a broad, future-focused perspective, connecting insights and emerging trends from across government, the department and technology to help the Directorate improve productivity, strengthen capability, and remain agile and responsive to future challenges and opportunities.You will be a leader in applying public service values and principles and will collaborate with others to generate efficient and effective, client driven, services.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceYou're someone who sees the bigger picture and understands how individual pieces of work contribute to broader organisational goals.You'll bring sound judgement, a curious and future-focused mindset, and the ability to provide practical, evidence-based advice in a complex operating environment.Coupled with experience building strategic direction, driving continuous improvement, you will help leaders make informed decisions that improve performance and deliver better value for DOC.We're particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in some of the following areas:Experience developing and implementing business strategy, including planning, performance measurement, and reporting.Strong understanding of government processes, public administration, and the wider public sector environment.Political awareness and an understanding of the relationship between Ministers' offices and government agencies.Ability to analyse information and provide evidence-based advice on performance, trends, risks, and opportunities.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and present to a range of audiences.Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with senior leaders and colleagues.Experience coaching, mentoring, and providing quality assurance to support high-performing teams and quality outcomes.Integrity, sound judgement, and a commitment to public service values, conservation outcomes, and Te Tiriti principles.Desirable:Awareness of good governance practices and the governance of public entities.Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, humanities, commerce, or a related discipline.Click here for the position description.Mo te tima | About the teamThe Governance and Government Services Directorate designs, implements and upholds standards and processes that support the Director-General, senior leadership team, Minister of Conservation, and the Minister for Hunting and Fishing meet legislative commitments, strategic priorities and public expectations.The Directorate is also responsible for the monitor function of many statutory entities on behalf of Ministers and the Director-General of Conservation. The team provides Official Information and Privacy Act functions and manages formal public complaints on behalf of the Department.Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | What's in it for you?DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.The GGS Principal Advisor works closely with the Director and Leadership team in a demand driven and diverse area of work. This role provides tempo, variety, leadership, and intellectual stimulation. You will work alongside technical experts and dedicated colleagues. You can learn more about what we offer here.Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.Salary: $125,600 - $162,525, depending on skills and experience.Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.'Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 9 November 2026.Noting, we are looking for the new appointment to start post Wellington Anniversary Day 2027.Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Kelley Reeve at [e-mail].