Senior Policy Advisor - Disability

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.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Oranga Tamariki developed a Disability Strategy in through extensive engagement with the disability community, including tāngata Whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and care experienced young people, as well as iwi and whānau.Te Riu (our Leadership team) have recently approved the establishment of the first phase of a Programme aligned to that Strategy to better meet the disability needs and rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers within the remit of Oranga Tamariki and across its functions.

The focus of the Disability Programme is to support the disability needs of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers through : improving our practices and services, improving the methodology, collection, quality and use of disability data and research; building the disability competency and capability of all kaimahi; and improving the organisation\'s ability to better advocate in the children's and disability systems.

This role will be providing policy advice, analysis and support related to the disability obligations of Oranga Tamariki and how it applies to our functions. This is a critical piece of work to better understand what interventions and policy improvements can be made to ensure the rights of disabled people are upheld.

This role will be working closely with other programme team members (and kaimahi from across the business) to identify and develop a prioritised improvement plan backed by evidence. This role sits in the Disability team in Enabling Communities, and you can connect with the Policy function to test ideas, receive feedback and ensure written advice meets policy quality standards.

Key requirements of the role include :

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of one of more areas of policy directly related to disability, care, protection, and / or youth justice.
• Highly developed analytical skills and a demonstrated commitment to developing and maintaining specialist skills and knowledge in own area of expertise.
• Experience in one or more of the following : development of policy, interpretation and application of legislation and operational policy functions.
• Strong relationship management skills (internal and external), and the ability to work collaboratively with others to deliver meaningful and informed outputs.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and build and maintain rapport with others.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples\' culture.

In addition to the above key requirements, the following attributes will be desirable :

• Knowledge of different perspectives of disability including but not limited to medical, social, cultural / indigenous methodologies
• Has knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and respond to the diverse needs, experiences and views of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers that Oranga Tamariki interact with.
• Demonstrates a clear and genuine connection to the disability community through personal lived experience, community involvement, cultural background, or professional / voluntary work aligned to the Disability Programme's focus.

Nōu te rourou | 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.

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

Internal secondment opportunities may be considered. If you are interested in a secondment to this role, please discuss with your direct manager or People and Performance Partner first.

Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include :

• Assistance for mobility and transport needs.
• Accessible meeting spaces and online options.
• Adjustments to the application or interview process on request.

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on 12 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 # 38570

Posted on 26 Sep 2025

Closes on 12 Oct : 55

Location(s) Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Paraparaumu, Wellington

Expertise Analysts, Management, Management & Change Consulting, Ministerials / OIA Advisors, Other, Planning and Regulation, Policy, Project Management, Strategy and Planning, Policy, Consulting & Strategy

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