Senior Strategic Advisor, Governance & Public Services

Department of Conservation; Wellington; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead the Governance and Government Services Directorate, delivering strategic direction, governance, and continuous improvement across ministerial servicing, privacy and Official Information Act delivery.

You will influence senior leaders, provide evidence-based advice, and drive performance reporting, building capability and ensuring agile, client‑driven public services aligned with Te Tiriti principles.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing business strategy, including planning, performance measurement, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of government processes, public administration, and the wider public sector environment.
• Political awareness and understanding of the relationship between Ministers' offices and government agencies.
• Ability to analyse information and provide evidence-based advice on performance, trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and present to a range of audiences.
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with senior leaders and colleagues.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and providing quality assurance to support high-performing teams and quality outcomes.
• Integrity, sound judgement, and a commitment to public service values, conservation outcomes, and Te Tiriti principles.

Responsibilities

• Ministerial and parliamentary servicing
• Privacy and Official Information Act delivery
• Governance of conservation entities
• Ombudsmen enquiries and management of formal public complaints
• Provide strategic leadership, organisational influence, and business improvement across GGS
• Collaborate with others to generate efficient and effective, client driven, services.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Continuous improvement

Governance

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector knowledge

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, law, humanities, commerce, or related discipline

Job description

The Department of Conservation in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor to lead the Governance and Government Services Directorate, delivering strategic direction, governance, and continuous improvement across ministerial servicing, privacy and Official Information Act delivery.

You will influence senior leaders, provide evidence-based advice, and drive performance reporting, building capability and ensuring agile, client‑driven public services aligned with Te Tiriti principles.