Justice Sector Directorate
Housed in Ministry of Justice National Office
Te Haeata / The Opportunity
Do you want to be at the centre of change in Aotearoa New Zealand's justice system? Are you drawn to the opportunity and challenge of getting justice sector organisations to work together to deliver better outcomes?
Principal Advisor
We need Principal Advisors who thrive in complexity – people who can make things happen, influence senior leaders, cut through resistance, and deliver the meaningful change the justice sector needs. This is an exciting and high‑profile role within the Justice Sector Directorate, working across six justice agencies to drive and deliver improved justice sector performance.
In This Role You Will
- Play a key role in the delivery of the Remote Participation Sector Programme aiming to improve the use of remote participation via audio‑visual link, with the potential to improve court efficiency and make court processes more accessible.
- Identify what needs to be done to support agencies to work together to improve sector performance, and do what it takes to make that happen.
- Use your relationship and influencing skills to bring people, resources and workstreams together.
- Provide advice, in collaboration with agency colleagues, on what matters for improving justice sector performance including change prioritisation, investment trade‑offs, aligning work programmes, and monitoring and reporting on progress.
- Communicate performance, risks and opportunities across the sector and to the Justice Sector Leadership Board in clear and compelling ways.
- Play a key role in connecting agencies and sector partners to ensure work is joined up, accountable, and delivering results.
Qualifications and Experience
Proven experience leading high‑impact programme initiatives to successful completion, proactively driving activity from planning through to execution.Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the confidence and ability to engage senior stakeholders on nuanced and challenging topics.Political and organisational savvy, with the ability to navigate resistance and maintain momentum in cross‑agency environments.Experience turning complex information into clear, actionable advice.Experience supporting and advising senior leaders such as Ministers and Chief Executives.Ability to see and convey the big picture whilst sequencing practical steps to achieve change.Experience mentoring and developing colleagues to lift capability across a team.Strong communication and report‑writing abilities.Comfort working in ambiguity, with the ability to cut through complexity and find pragmatic solutions.Resilience and adaptability to thrive in high‑pressure environments.A deep commitment to and evidence of putting the Treaty of Waitangi at the centre of decision‑making.An understanding of the justice sector and experience working in cross‑agency settings (desirable but not essential).About Us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice – we’re committed to strengthening people’s trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Justice Sector Directorate supports the justice sector in whatever way is needed to deliver outcomes, including providing strategic advice, leading cross‑sector work, and ensuring effective use of funding across the sector.
Benefits
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include :
4.4 weeks holiday leaveFlexible work hours where possibleAn online professional development portalAccess to a variety of inclusive and proactive networksSee our full range of benefits here.
Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $129,129 and $167,062 based on skills and experience.
Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on 16 November; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.
For any queries, or if you would like to discuss the role further, please email
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