Principal Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor

Department of Conservation (DOC); Wellington; Sur place; NZD 110 000 - 145 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a highly credible strategic advisor to strengthen Treaty partnerships and drive meaningful organisational change across the public sector framework in Aotearoa. You will work with senior leaders, iwi and government agencies, providing expert advice on strategy, policy and settlement commitments while shaping cross‑agency outcomes.

You will lead significant programmes, prepare high‑quality briefings and papers, manage complex stakeholder relationships,

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application across policy and operations.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and directing complex programmes.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for briefs and papers.
• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives across large organisations.

Responsabilités

• Lead design and delivery of significant strategic initiatives and programmes.
• Support organisational strategy development, planning and implementation.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, correspondence and papers for senior leaders and Ministers.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate governance and relationship management, including briefing materials and action follow‑ups.
• Provide Treaty guidance across policy and operations, ensuring commitments are considered.
• Identify risks, opportunities and trends and recommend strategic responses.
• Lead cross‑functional and cross‑agency collaboration to achieve outcomes.
• Coach and influence others to strengthen organisational capability.
• Drive continuous improvement through evaluation and learning.

Connaissances

Treaty partnerships

Strategic advisory

Stakeholder influence

Governance engagement

Policy analysis

Leadership coaching

Cross‑agency collaboration

Formation

Tertiary qualification

Description du poste

• Highly strategic and influential role that sits at the heart of strengthening Treaty partnerships and helping shape the future direction of conservation in Aotearoa
• Salary range between $110,033 - $145,000 depending on skills and experience
• Permanent role, Wellington location preferred

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We have a newDOCTreaty Operating Modelthat willstrengthen how we work with Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy andGroupPartnerships.

You will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen Treaty partnerships, embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across DOC, and drive meaningful organisational change.

Working closely with the Kaihautū, Deputy Director-General, senior leaders, Treaty partners and government agencies, you will provide expert advice and lead complex programmes that shape strategy, influence decision‑making and deliver positive outcomes for conservation and Māori.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design, development and delivery of significant strategic initiatives and programmes.
• Supporting organisational strategy development, planning and implementation.
• Preparing high-quality advice, briefings correspondence, and papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers, including analysis of complex issues and clear recommendations.
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and key stakeholders, while supporting the stewardship of strategically significant Treaty partner relationships.
• Leading and coordinating governance and relationship management processes, including meeting preparation, briefing materials, action management and follow‑through on commitments.
• Providing expert Treaty guidance across policy and operational initiatives, ensuring Te Tiriti and settlement commitments are appropriately considered in organisational decision‑making.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and emerging trends, and recommending strategic responses.
• Leading cross‑functional and cross‑agency collaboration to achieve shared outcomes.
• Coaching and influencing others to strengthen organisational capability.
• Driving continuous improvement through evaluation, learning and innovation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You are a highly credible strategic advisor with deep expertise in Treaty partnerships and a track record of influencing complex organisational and system‑wide change.

You bring a combination of political nous, relationship leadership and strategic thinking, and are comfortable operating in complex environments where partnership, collaboration and trust are critical to success.

You will ideally bring;

• Deep knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its principles, and practical application across policy and operational settings.
• Strong understanding of Treaty settlements, redress mechanisms and their implications for organisational decision‑making.
• Extensive experience working alongside iwi, hapū and Māori organisations, with well‑established networks and relationships.
• Demonstrated success leading complex projects, programmes or strategic initiatives within large organisations.
• Strong understanding of New Zealand public sector frameworks and operating environments.
• Excellent relationship management, engagement and stakeholder influence skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience preparing high‑quality advice, briefings, correspondence and strategic papers for senior leaders, governance groups and Ministers.
• Strong systems thinking, analytical and problem‑solving capability, including the ability to assess complex issues, identify implications and risks, and provide sound recommendations.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and navigating complex stakeholder environments, including providing constructive challenge and strategic advice to support decision‑making.
• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Sound judgement and the ability to provide trusted advice in complex and politically sensitive environments.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Want to know more?

Salary: $110,033 - $145,000, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Monday, 5 October 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

pleasecontact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor [e-mail]