Senior Advisor Strategy and Performance | Wellington

Job Description

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman:

The Chief Ombudsman works with his kaimahi to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team:

The Governance and Strategy group provides operational guidance, legal advice, strategic direction, and research insights to help kaimahi across the Office work effectively. The group leads key organisational initiatives, including risk management, our approach to recommendations, and strategic planning. The Governance and Strategy group is led by the General Manager Governance and Strategy.

This role is in the Strategy and Performance team. The Strategy and Performance team shape strategy, enable delivery and measure impact. Working across the Office of the Ombudsman, the focus of the team is on connecting people and ideas, providing advice, strengthening governance, monitoring organisational performance, overseeing risk management and using data and insight to create strategic advice. The team also develops key organisational documents, like the Statement of Intent and Annual Plan, helping keep the Office focused on what matters.

Mō te tūranga - About the role:

As the Senior Advisor, Strategy and Performance you will contribute to the delivery of strategic, analytical, and advisory work that supports Ombudsman's long-term priorities. This role assists with the development of strategies, performance frameworks, performance documents and thematic reporting to ensure the Office's work is evidence-based, transparent, and aligned with organisational goals.

You will work collaboratively with all levels and across organisation to provide sound analysis and practical advice to inform planning, reporting, and systemic improvement for achieving organisational priorities. Additionally, you will contribute to the preparation of key documents, ., submissions, and performance reports, and support the delivery of quality assurance and evaluation activities. This role also plays an important part in building analytical and advisory capability across the Office through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing with staff at all levels and leaders to help ensure informed decision-making and a culture of learning and improvement.

He kōrero mōu – About you:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification, in public or administrative law or related discipline.
• Understanding of the Ombudsman jurisdiction and role in contemporary society.
• Understanding of national and international law relevant to the Ombudsman functions, including human rights.
• 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, strategy implementation, risk management, policy, evaluation, or performance roles.
• Strong knowledge of public sector systems and processes.
• Proven ability to provide 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.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer:

Becoming part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  
  

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply:

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email [email protected].

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $115,360 to $151,410 with 144,200 being the mid-point. This role will be based in Wellington office. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.

Applications Close: 20 September 2026