Principal Advisor People Culture & Enabling Services

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Wellington; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children seeks an experienced Principal Advisor to provide high-quality strategic and operational advice to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Advisor within the People, Culture & Enabling Services group. This Wellington-based fixed-term role supports senior leaders in navigating organisational priorities and decision-making.

You’ll coordinate OIA responses, prepare briefing papers, and ensure concise, accurate governance documentation while managing informatio

Qualifications

• Experience advising senior leaders in a complex public sector or large organisational environment.
• Exceptional written communication to translate complex information into clear, concise advice.
• Demonstrated ability drafting and coordinating OIA responses.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with sound judgement and political awareness.
• Experience working within an Executive, DCE, Chief Advisor, or Ministerial office environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational advice to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Advisor.
• Identify and respond to emerging issues, risks, opportunities and priorities.
• Prepare, review and quality-assure briefing papers, reports, presentations and governance docs.
• Coordinate Official Information Act (OIA) responses and other high-profile correspondence.
• Manage information flows and stakeholder relationships to influence outcomes.

Skills

Senior advisory experience

Written communication

OIA response drafting

Analytical thinking

Executive stakeholder engagement

Multitasking under deadlines

Cross-cultural awareness

Public sector experience

Job description

Are you an exceptional writer, trusted advisor, and strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced executive environment?

Oranga Tamariki is seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to provide high-quality strategic and operational advice to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Advisor within the People, Culture & Enabling Services group.

This is a pivotal role where you'll work at the centre of decision-making, helping senior leaders navigate complex organisational challenges while ensuring the smooth flow of information, quality advice, and timely responses across a broad portfolio.

Wellington based only | Fixed Term Opportunity till 30 th June 2027

Mō mātou | About us

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

You’ll provide strategic advice and support to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Advisor, helping to identify and respond to emerging issues, risks, opportunities, and organisational priorities. You’ll play a key role in ensuring leaders have the information and insights needed to make informed decisions in a complex and evolving environment.

A significant part of the role will involve preparing, reviewing, and quality-assuring high-quality briefing papers, reports, presentations, and governance documentation. You’ll ensure advice is clear, concise, and tailored to senior audiences while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.

You’ll lead the coordination of Official Information Act (OIA) responses and other high-profile correspondence, working across the organisation to gather information, manage timelines, and deliver quality outputs within tight deadlines.

Working at the centre of the business, you’ll manage information flows and competing priorities across the executive office, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities while building strong relationships with stakeholders to influence outcomes and support collaboration across the organisation.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• Proven experience providing advice to senior leaders in a complex public sector or large organisational environment
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise advice
• Demonstrated experience drafting and coordinating OIA responses
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with sound judgement and political awareness
• Experience working within an Executive, DCE, Chief Advisor, or Ministerial office environment
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines without compromising quality
• This opportunity will suit a highly credible senior advisor who enjoys operating at both strategic and operational levels and takes pride in delivering advice and written products of the highest quality.
• To be considered, applicants must have previous experience supporting senior leaders and a strong track record in high-quality advisory and written work within a complex environment.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependent on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit