Principal Advisor - Transition Support Services (Disability)

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a Principal Advisor to enhance the experiences of disabled youths transitioning to adulthood. This role involves advocacy and system-level support, focusing on improving services and policies for disabled rangatahi. A strong background in public sector advisory roles and cultural awareness is necessary. The position offers flexibility and a commitment to diversity and wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Supportive team environment

Commitment to wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience in senior/principal advisor roles within the public sector.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of cross-cultural practices, particularly tikanga Māori.

Responsibilities

• Support improved experiences for disabled rangatahi transitioning to adulthood.
• Provide system level escalation and advocacy around adult disability services.
• Identify improvements in policy and practice guidance.

Skills

Research and analysis

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Cultural awareness

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

About the role

Pivotal role supporting the implementation of a Disability Programme of work with a focus on improved experiences for rangatahi transitioning from care or custody to adulthood. Flexible location / remote working opportunity. Fixed Term until 30 June 2026.

Oranga Tamariki developed a Disability Strategy in 2022-23 through extensive engagement with the disability community, including tāngata Whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and care experienced young people, as well as iwi and whānau. Te Riu (our Leadership team) have recently approved the establishment of the first phase of a Programme aligned to that Strategy to better meet the disability needs and rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers within the remit of Oranga Tamariki and across its functions.

The focus of the Disability Programme is to support the disability needs of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers through: improving our practices and services, improving the methodology, collection, quality and use of disability data and research; building the disability competency and capability of all kaimahi; and improving the organisation's ability to better advocate in the children's and disability systems.

Principal Advisor - Transition Support Service (Disability)

The Principal Advisor role will work - both within the Transition Support Services team and collaboratively as part of the Disability Programme - to enable improved experiences for disabled rangatahi transitioning to adulthood. The Principal Advisor role provides system level escalation and advocacy, working cross-agency around pathways to adult disability services for disabled rangatahi leaving care. This role will have a particular focus on identifying improvements in policy and practice guidance, with consideration of legislative responsibilities and the rights of disabled rangatahi transitioning to adulthood.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• A background in senior/principal advisor roles within the public sector,
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline,
• Strong skills in research, analysis, and translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and influence and engage diverse stakeholders (internal and cross-agency).
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to build and maintain rapport with others, including working with virtual teams. Confident when dealing with Deputy Chief Executives, Ministers Offices, officials, senior managers and external key stakeholders.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture.

In addition to the above key requirements, the following attributes will be desirable:

• Knowledge of different perspectives of disability including but not limited to medical, social, cultural/indigenous methodologies
• Has knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and respond to the diverse needs, experiences and views of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers that Oranga Tamariki interact with.
• Demonstrates a clear and genuine connection to the disability community through personal lived experience, community involvement, cultural background, or professional/voluntary work aligned to the Disability Programme's focus.

Nōu te rourou | What\'s in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. 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

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• 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.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

Internal secondment opportunities may be considered. If you are interested in a secondment to this role, please discuss with your direct manager or People and Performance Partner first.

Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include:

• NZSL interpreters.
• Assistance for mobility and transport needs.
• Accessible meeting spaces and online options.
• Adjustments to the application or interview process on request.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on 12 October 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.