Senior Policy Advisor

Pivotal role supporting the Disability Programme.

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

Desirable Attributes

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 :

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!

Oranga Tamariki is an EEO employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.

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