Senior Project Manager, Enabling Communities Programme (EBOP)

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 respect the Mana of people
• 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.

About the role

We are looking for an outstanding Senior Project Manager to join our in‑flight Enabling Communities Programme. Enabling Communities is a transformative initiative that gives selected partners an opportunity to redesign and reimagine what care looks like for their own tamariki and whānau. Partners lead the design, development, and implementation of care prototypes, they set the pace, and they are the decision makers.

This role will support our partners to deliver their prototypes, by identifying and driving changes Oranga Tamariki needs to make to support the success of the partner.

The role will sit within our Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO) and will be supported by a Practice Lead and connected to a community of Project Managers. You'll be assigned to the Enabling Communities Programme team, with a dotted reporting line to the Lead Programme Manager.

The role is full time and could be based either in Wellington or closer to our partners in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Please be mindful that this is not a role for someone who is inexperienced in engaging and working with iwi, Māori providers, and community groups.

Requirements & responsibilities

• You’ll be a quick starter, skilled at picking up in‑flight activity and understanding where to focus initial efforts.
• Strong Project Management disciplines (high‑quality documentation, planning, stakeholder management, governance, risks & issues, reporting).
• Engagement skills that demonstrate genuine manaakitanga (humility) and the ability to know when to lead or advise, and when to step back and āta whakarongo (listen carefully)
• A deep and broad understanding of operating within a Māori Crown relationship, and applying a partnership‑based practice
• Significant experience in establishing, growing, and maintaining strong and trusted relationships with iwi and Māori organisations.
• An ability to see the “big picture” and understand the strategic and local context
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori and experience engaging with Māori, iwi, and community groups in a way that builds trust and reflects cultural values.

What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. 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.

You will also be connected to a community of supportive Project Managers, with a focus on learning and growth.

How to apply

Apply online with your CV and a Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee, please ensure that you register or login using your work email address.

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm Tuesday 28 October 2025.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

Reference # 38758

Posted on 21 Oct 2025

Closes on 28 Oct 2025 23 : 55

Location(s) All New Zealand, Te Tai Tokerau Region, Kaitaia, North Shore, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Wellington, Hawera, Blenheim, Ashburton, Alexandra, Auckland, Kaikohe, West Auckland, Paeroa, Rotorua, Dannevirke, Lower Hutt, Horowhenua, Greymouth, Christchurch, Balclutha, Waikato, Whangarei, Central Auckland, Tokoroa, Napier, Upper Hutt, Palmerston North, Nelson, Oamaru, Dunedin, Bay of Plenty, Dargaville, South Auckland, Taupō, Gisborne, Porirua, Manawatu, Rangiora, Gore, East Coast, Whakatane, Hawkes Bay, Paraparaumu, New Plymouth, Timaru, Invercargill, Wellington, Masterton, Taumarunui, Taranaki-Manawatu, Wairoa, Whanganui, Upper South, Waipukurau, Canterbury, Lower South

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