Senior Advisor Governance

Are you curious to learn the mechanics of the Customs Executive Board and how Customs operates at an executive level? Are you a person who gets things done and an active listener who can capture and accurately record key points? We have an exciting opportunity on offer for a Senior Advisor Governance. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, International and Governance, this is a full-time permanent role based in our Wellington Customhouse.

The ideal candidate will have or will quickly be able to gain a strong understanding of Customs, the machinery of government, and may be either an experienced or emerging leader with aspirations to operate at a senior leadership level or gain insight into how governance works at the top of a public sector organisation.

Purpose of this position

The primary purpose of this role is to provide high‑quality governance support and advice to the Comptroller of Customs and the Customs Executive Board (CEB). This includes supporting the Comptroller and Deputy Chief Executives in chairing CEB committees to assist in the stewardship and leadership of the New Zealand Customs Service.

About the role

This is a dynamic and influential role that places you at the centre of Customs' governance operations. You will work closely with the Customs Executive Board (CEB), senior leadership, and other governance bodies to ensure effective decision-making and strategic alignment. You will be responsible for preparing documentation for CEB committees, managing action items and providing high‑level analytical advice on emerging issues and risks.

You will undertake secretariat duties for key committees, including the Assurance and Risk Committee, and support the development of forward agendas aligned with Customs' strategic priorities. You will also lead initiatives to improve governance understanding across the organisation and periodically review governance processes and documentation to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

This role requires you to proactively identify opportunities to connect business groups around agenda items, provide clarity on governance papers and offer advice on matters that may impact resource allocation or prioritisation. You will work collaboratively with senior leaders and presenters to ensure papers are well‑framed and provide a sound basis for decision‑making.

You may also be called upon to support other executive boards and sector leadership groups, contributing to a broader governance framework within Customs. In addition, you will contribute to the development of policies, templates, and systems that enhance governance performance, and provide support to the Deputy Chief Executive International & Governance on strategic initiatives and ad‑hoc projects.

This role demands discretion, confidence and the ability to manage sensitive issues with integrity. You will be expected to build strong relationships across the organisation, demonstrate cultural competency including the appropriate use of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga, and actively contribute to a safe and inclusive workplace.

What we offer

If successful, you will gain exposure to how the Service manages financial pressures, develops budget initiatives, tracks performance and adapts to opportunities and risks. You’ll be supported to operate in a fast‑paced, agile environment and develop a specialised governance skill set. This opportunity will also allow you to observe and learn from how different CEB members run governance meetings, building valuable experience for your career.

Working for NZ Customs

To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident

• and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance along with being able to obtain and maintain a security clearance to "Secret" level.
• A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application; or A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last ten years, (including ten years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application who has travelled out of New Zealand for short periods of time i.e. 6 months in one of the following countries : Australia, United Kingdom, United States or Canada and can provide police certificates from those countries for the period of absence.

Because of the nature of Customs’ work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test. You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.

How to apply

To apply, please submit an up‑to‑date CV and cover letter, outlining your key skills and experience relevant to this role, via our online process. (Please note, we do not accept applications sent directly to an email address). If you have any specific questions about the role, please contact Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in‑house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage. Deadline for applications is 11pm, Wednesday 26 November 2025.

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