Senior Advisor Design and Policy

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga 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  first
• We believe  Aroha  is vital
• We respect the  Mana  of people
• We are  Tika  and  Pono
• We value  Whakapapa
• We recognise that  Oranga  is a journey

We 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 role

We are looking for a highly capable Senior Advisor with social work practice and policy expertise to join our Practice Enablers team! In this role you will leverage your experience and skills to evaluate and develop operational policy and social work practice content to ensure it is ready for our Frontline Technology Systems Upgrade (FTSU).

As the Senior Advisor Design and Policy, you will provide specialised advice in practice design and policy enhancement. This includes :

• leading the design and development of major practice areas, conduct analysis, and provide expert advice on practice policy that will support the development of system tools.
• evaluating practice processes to identify and design improvement opportunities
• assessing practice processes and standards to design and enhance frameworks, models, and tools to ensure these align to best practise.

This 6-month fixed term role supports our preparation for the Frontline Technology Systems Upgrade (FTSU) programme. The primary focus of FTSU is to replace legacy case management systems that support our work (youth justice, adoptions, care and protection, residences and community homes).

The work will involve collaboration across the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice group and with stakeholders across the organisation in the development of practice content and policies. In addition, the Senior Advisor Design and Policy represents the team in internal and cross agency initiatives and working groups.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are particularly interested in people with strengths and experience in these areas :

• Highly developed written, analytical, review and advisory skills,
• Proven experience designing and writing operational policy, social work practice content and / or business processes that are fit for purpose and easily understood by operational teams and / or external stakeholders,
• Experience evaluating existing practice policies and practice content to identify and recommend improvement areas,
• Demonstrated background in roles with a particular focus on enhancing the quality of services and practices for tamariki and their whānau,
• Good working knowledge of the operational policy development and implementation process,
• Experience in a public sector organisation in a role requiring consultation, communication, and relationship management skills,
• Understanding and commitment to professional practice that is drawn from Te Ao Māori principles of oranga and an appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture,
• Exceptional prioritisation and organisation skills; a keen eye for detail with proven ability to work to deadlines,
• A tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience is essential. The qualification may come from a number of different fields of study, including social work (desirable) or other human sciences.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit