Senior Advisor, Systemic Improvement, Monitoring and Resolution

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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

The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff 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 our team

The Systemic Improvement Monitoring and Resolution (SIMR) team provides advice on identified trends and opportunities for systemic improvement via internal and external monitoring. The team develops and maintains robust systems to identify issues, assess options for intervention, and seek resolution where possible to contribute to meaningful change in public sector administration.  

Mō te tūranga - About the role

There are two permanent roles available. At least one of these roles will be primarily focused on monitoring and analysing issues within the children in care sector. Although, all roles in the team are involved in general monitoring and analysis of issues across all agencies subject ot the Ombudsman's jurisdiction.

Based in our Wellington office, the role of Senior Advisor Systemic Improvement Monitoring and Resolution is varied and exciting; monitoring issues across the entire public sector.  The Senior Advisor will, as part of the Systemic Improvement, Monitoring and Resolution team, identify opportunities for administrative improvement, define the problem using their critical analysis skills, and make recommendations for the most appropriate intervention to address the issue.

The Senior Advisor will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating agency responses to recommendations from Systemic Investigations.

You will be a champion at building internal and external relationships and connecting across the organisation, making sense of data and looking for opportunities for improvements.

Additionally, for at least one of these roles, we seek someone who can demonstrate experience and understanding of the children in care sector.

He kōrero mōu – About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public policy, public or administrative law, or a related discipline.
• A critical thinker with analytical rigour who can see things from a range of perspectives.
• Good understanding of current New Zealand public sector practice, the context in which public sector agencies operate, and the challenges they face.
• Demonstrated understanding of the inner workings and operations of navigating the Oranga Tamariki system and processes, including challenges that may be encountered (required for the role primarily focussed on the children in care sector)
• Sound knowledge of the machinery of government, legislative process and the policy development process.
• Highly developed and detailed understanding of, and practical experience in, strategic policy advice, analysis, review, development and implementation.
• Experience of undertaking proactive monitoring and analysis, in-depth resolution with stakeholders and other interventions in respect of complex systemic issues.
• Common sense and sound, practical judgement.
• Experience with using kaupapa Māori approaches for research and analysis.
• Experience in working within a team-oriented, collaborative environment with regular feedback.
• Proven research skills, and analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• High levels of resilience to work with sensitive material.

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

• Be 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
• Two extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to professional support

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 indicating which role you are applying for. For further information about this vacancy please email recruitment@ombudsman.parliament.nz.

All applicants must 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.

The Office of the Ombudsman encourages and supports all our workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The current position of the Office however, does not require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of this role. Please note that the Office may, if a risk assessment identifies the need, introduce a vaccination requirement for managing an epidemic.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent all of New Zealanders. 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 starting salary is expected to be between $100,612 and $135,882

Applications close 5pm, 1 May 2024