Strategic Advisor, Performance & Governance

Marketplace; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 136,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Competitive remuneration

Onsite gym

Three paid office holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

NZ Ombudsman is seeking a Principal Advisor, Strategy and Performance in Wellington. The role provides authoritative strategic, analytical, and advisory expertise to support long-term priorities and external impact.

You will lead governance arrangements, strategy development, and performance monitoring, ensuring evidence-based guidance and transparent processes across public sector work. Mentoring the team is a key part of the role.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public or administrative law or related discipline.
• Deep understanding of the Ombudsman jurisdiction and role in contemporary society.
• Expert understanding of national and international law relevant to the Ombudsman functions, including human rights.
• Extensive understanding of current New Zealand public sector practice and the context in which public sector agencies operate.
• Significant experience in strategic analysis, policy analysis/development, statutory interpretation, stakeholder engagement and provision of high-quality advice in complex areas.
• Significant experience in strategy, policy, evaluation, or performance roles.
• Significant experience in providing authoritative, evidence-based advice in complex and ambiguous contexts.
• Experience in drafting and publishing high-quality reports and guidance materials.
• Experience maintaining trusted relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Proven mentoring and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex pieces of work, including governance arrangements, strategy development, performance monitoring, and production of external guidance.
• Provide authoritative advice on trends, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Embed insights into planning, reporting, and systemic improvement across the Office.
• Demonstrate mentoring and development of the Strategy and Performance team.

Skills

Strategic analysis

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Performance monitoring

Data insights

Mentoring

Governance

Risk management

External guidance

Report writing

Education

Public or administrative law

Job description

NZ Ombudsman is seeking a Principal Advisor, Strategy and Performance in Wellington. The role provides authoritative strategic, analytical, and advisory expertise to support long-term priorities and external impact.

You will lead governance arrangements, strategy development, and performance monitoring, ensuring evidence-based guidance and transparent processes across public sector work. Mentoring the team is a key part of the role.