Principal Advisor, Strategy and Performance

NZ Ombudsman; Wellington; On-site; NZD 136,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Onsite gym and personal trainer

Competitive remuneration

Three paid office holidays between Ch‑

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Job summary

Office of the Ombudsman in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor to provide strategic, analytical, and advisory expertise to support long-term priorities. You will lead governance arrangements, strategy development, performance monitoring, and publish external guidance.

You will work with senior leaders, embed insights into planning and reporting, and mentor the team to strengthen analytical capability. The role offers flexible working options and a comprehensive remuneration package.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public or administrative law or related discipline.
• Expert understanding of national and international law relevant to Ombudsman functions, including human rights.
• Extensive understanding of current NZ public sector practice and the context in which public sector agencies operate.
• Significant experience in strategic analysis, policy analysis/development, statutory interpretation, stakeholder engagement and provision of high-quality advice in complex areas.
• Experience in drafting and publishing high-quality reports and guidance materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative strategic, analytical, and advisory expertise to support the Ombudsman's long-term priorities and external impact.
• Lead governance arrangements, strategy development, performance monitoring, and production of external guidance.
• Ensure that the Office's work is evidence-based, transparent, and positioned to influence public sector performance and accountability.
• Work closely with senior leaders and provide authoritative advice on trends, risks, and opportunities, embedding insights into planning and reporting.
• Mentor and develop the team to strengthen analytical and advisory capability.

Skills

Strategic analysis

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Evidence-based advice

Mentoring and coaching

Education

Tertiary qualification in public/admin law

Job description

Mo te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata - About the Ombudsman:The Chief Ombudsman works with his kaimahi 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.You can read move about the work of the Ombudsman and the work carried out under our different jurisdictions here.Mo to matou tira - About the team:At the Office the Governance and Strategy group provides operational guidance, legal advice, strategic direction, and research insights to help kaimahi across the Office work effectively. The group leads key organisational initiatives, including risk management, our approach to recommendations, and strategic planning.As part of the Strategy and Performance team (within the Governance and Strategy group), the team's work goes to shaping strategy, enabling delivery and measuring impact. To achieve this work the team works across the Office of the Ombudsman, with a focus of the team on connecting people and ideas, providing advice, strengthening governance, monitoring organisational performance, overseeing risk management and using data and insight to create strategic advice. The team also develops key organisational documents, like the Statement of Intent and Annual Plan, helping keep the Office focused on what matters.Mo te turanga - About the role:As the Principal Advisor you will provide authoritative strategic, analytical, and advisory expertise to support the Ombudsman's long-term priorities and performances and external impact. The role leads complex pieces of work, including governance arrangements, strategy development, performance monitoring, and the production of external guidance. It ensures that the Office's work is evidence-based, transparent, and positioned to influence public sector performance and accountability.You will work closely with senior leaders and provide authoritative advice on trends, risks, and opportunities, and helps embed insights into planning, reporting, and systemic improvement. The role also contributes to the mentoring and development of the team, supporting the growth of analytical and advisory capability.He korero mou - About you:To be successful in this role you will have:Relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public or administrative law or related discipline.Deep understanding of the Ombudsman jurisdiction and role in contemporary society.Expert understanding of national and international law relevant to the Ombudsman functions, including human rights.Extensive understanding of current New Zealand public sector practice and the context in which public sector agencies operate.Significant experience in strategic analysis, policy analysis/development, statutory interpretation, stakeholder engagement and provision of high-quality advice in complex areas.Significant experience in strategy, policy, evaluation, or performance roles.Significant experience in providing authoritative, evidence-based advice in complex and ambiguous contexts.Experience in drafting and publishing high-quality reports and guidance materials.Experience maintaining trusted relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.Proven mentoring and coaching skills.Te painga o te mahi tahi me matou - 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 teamFlexible working optionsCompetitive remunerationOnsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employeesThree paid office holidays between Christmas and New YearEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP)Me pehea te tono - How to apply:To apply, click on the `Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email [e-mail] 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 $135,652 to $178,043 with $169,565 being the mid-point. This role will be based in Wellington office. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.Applications Close: 17 November 2026