Principal Programme Advisor - Risk

New Zealand Government Joba; Wellington; On-site; NZD 131,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

15 days sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Employee-led networks (Rainbow,Pacific

Job summary

WorkSafe New Zealand is seeking a Principal Programme Advisor - Risk to advance the risk maturity uplift across the organisation. You will lead major workstreams, partner with senior leaders, and embed practical risk management approaches to support decision making.

You will develop risk profiles, drive accountability, and refine governance and assurance processes. A 12-month fixed-term contract based in Wellington, with a competitive salary and extensive staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience lifting risk maturity and embedding enterprise risk management practices within complex organisations.
• Experience developing strategic and operational risk profiles and facilitating risk workshops with senior leaders.
• Experience designing practical risk management tools, frameworks, assurance approaches or governance models.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of key components of WorkSafe's risk maturity uplift programme, embedding fit-for-purpose risk management practices across the organisation.
• Develop and facilitate operational risk profiles across business groups, strengthening risk insight, ownership and decision-making.
• Review, refine, and simplify risk and assurance processes, guidance, tools, and resources to improve accessibility, understanding, and adoption.
• Drive stakeholder engagement, learning and risk capability initiatives through training and workshops.

Skills

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Facilitation

Tools

GRC tools

Job description

Principal Programme Advisor - Risk (12 month fixed term)About UsHe aha te mea nui o tenei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Malo e lelei, Talofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo ni, Kia orana , n ho, Kamusta.WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:Whakakotahi- we are united in a strong purposeKorero mai- we engage meaningfullyTiakina mai- we are entrusted with a duty of careAbout your team / Ko te timaThe Risk Programme team plays a key role in strengthening WorkSafe's approach to enterprise risk management. Working closely with leaders and teams across the organisation, we support informed decision-making, enhance risk capability, and help embed a strong risk culture that enables WorkSafe to deliver on its strategic priorities. You'll collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders including senior leaders, Risk and Assurance, People and Capability, and Communications.About the role / O te turangaThis is a unique opportunity to help shape WorkSafe's risk maturity uplift. Working alongside the Risk Lead, this role will play a critical role in delivering three priority streams:simplifying and operationalising risk managementaccelerating organisational risk profiling and insight across business groups; andsupporting assessment of WorkSafe's future Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) capability and technology direction.The role will work closely with leaders across WorkSafe to strengthen risk ownership and accountability, improve organisational risk insight, and embed practical, fit-for-purpose risk management approaches that support better decision making.This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with Wellington as the preferred location.What You'll Do/ Ko tou ake mahiLead the delivery of key components of WorkSafe's risk maturity uplift programme, embedding fit-for-purpose risk management practices across the organisationDevelop and facilitate operational risk profiles across business groups, strengthening risk insight, ownership and decision-makingReview, refine, and simplify risk and assurance processes, guidance, tools, and resources to improve accessibility, understanding, and adoptionDrive the development of clear risk and assurance accountabilities, including strengthening understanding of risk ownership and the three lines model and embed consistent risk management practicesDrive stakeholder engagement, learning and risk capability initiatives through training and workshopsWhat You'll Bring / Ko nga pukenga ouProven experience lifting risk maturity and embedding enterprise risk management practices within complex organisations.Experience developing strategic and operational risk profiles and facilitating risk workshops with senior leaders.Experience designing practical risk management tools, frameworks, assurance approaches or governance models.Knowledge of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) practices, risk systems, or risk technology solutions.Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and diverse stakeholder groups.Strong judgement, adaptability and delivery focus, with the ability to translate strategy into practical and sustainable outcomes.Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.Salary range / Awhe utuAs part of our remuneration framework, the expected appointment salary range is $130,588 - $144,295. (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional).We offer a range of benefits including:5 weeks annual leave15 days sick leaveA Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make - your mahi mattersProfessional development opportunitiesEmployee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tu Rangatira Maori Network)How to apply / Me pehea te tonoClick Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.If you encounter accessibility barriers in completing the application or require adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you, contact [e-mail] for a confidential korero.WorkSafe is currently working through the implementation of Kia Rangatu. During this time, affected kaimahi will be given preference for all vacancies and will be considered in the first instance.Applications close: 11.59pm, Friday, 9 October 2026