Senior Advisor Practice Enabler

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 106,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking an experienced practitioner to provide Māori cultural guidance and to embed te ao Māori across frontline practice and technology initiatives. The role supports mana-enhancing practice and system design improvements.

The successful candidate will mentor peers, build partnerships with hapū, iwi and Māori services, and contribute to building standards and tools for better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice.
• Demonstrated experience providing cultural guidance in complex settings.
• Experience with Māori communities, hapū, iwi or kaupapa Māori services.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert Māori cultural and practice advice to frontline technology initiatives.
• Ensure system design aligns with Māori frameworks and mana-enhancing practice.
• Champion integration of te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori in projects.
• Build relationships with Māori partners and internal/external stakeholders.
• Support development of tools, standards and guidance for better outcomes.
• Analyse issues, identify improvements and provide high-quality reporting.
• Mentor colleagues and promote a culture of learning.

Skills

Māori culture & te ao Māori

Tikanga Māori

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Fixed term/Secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027 for an experienced practitioner with strong expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and culturally responsive practice to join our Practice Enablers team.Location flexible around the motu.Mō mātou | About usOranga 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 firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyWe 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 roleWe're looking for an experienced practitioner who brings significant expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within Oranga Tamariki's Practice Approach to join our Practice Enablers team and help shape the future of frontline practice at Oranga Tamariki on secondment or a fixed term basis.The Practice Enablers team plays a key role in transforming frontline systems and technology to support quality practice improvements across Oranga Tamariki. A key focus of this role is contributing specialist expertise to frontline technology initiatives that enable better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.You'll work alongside operational leaders, practice specialists, technology teams and programme partners to ensure the voices, aspirations and needs of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, hapū and iwi, and reflect Te Ao Māori perspectives and are embedded in system design and service delivery improvements.Key responsibilities include:Providing expert Māori cultural and practice advice to major frontline technology and practice improvement initiatives within Oranga Tamariki's Practice ApproachEnsuring system design and practice guidance align with Māori cultural frameworks and support mana-enhancing practiceChampioning the integration of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori within organisational projects and programmesBuilding strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Māori partners where appropriateSupporting the development of tools, frameworks, standards and guidance that improve practice outcomesAnalysing emerging issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing high-quality advice and reportingMentoring colleagues and contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvementNgā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bringKey requirements of the role include:Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their practical application within the Practice ApproachDemonstrated experience providing cultural advice and guidance in complex environmentsExperience working alongside Māori communities, hapū, iwi and/or kaupapa Māori servicesCurrent practice, operational or service delivery experience within social services, child wellbeing, youth justice, health, education or a related sectorThe ability to influence and build credibility with a diverse range of stakeholdersStrong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writingExperience contributing to projects, service design, systems development or organisational improvement initiativesA commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau MāoriNōu te rourou | What's in it for youOranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,426 and $117,782 pro rated dependent on experience.To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail] for this role close just before midnight on 10 November 2026We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.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.