Senior Advisor, Ministerial and Governance Services (Fixed Term)

* Do you have expert knowledge of the Official Information Act and Ministerial advice? * We have a fixed-term vacancy available for an experienced Senior Advisor who thrives on variety, enjoys a fast-paced environment, and is motivated by delivering high-quality outcomes. * 12-month fixed term opportunity based in Te Tari Matua, Pōneke | National Office, Wellington. Our Ministerial and Governance tīma is looking for a Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor. This role has a primary focus on Official Information Act (OIA) requests and core Ministerial servicing work, including Written Parliamentary Questions, and will also support the team's continuous improvement initiatives and provide governance secretariat support.
Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity This is a unique opportunity to be part of a cohort of two other Senior Advisors delivering high-impact services across ministerial servicing, Official Information Act (OIA) responses, and governance services.
As a Senior Advisor, you will provide Te Puni Kōkiri with high-quality, responsive, end-to-end advice that supports decision-making, accountability, and engagement with Private Secretaries, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Minister. You will enjoy a variety of work, including: * Supporting the end-to-end delivery of high-quality Ministerial advice, including drafting, reviewing and finalising aide-mémoires, briefings, Written Parliamentary Questions, the weekly Minister/officials agendas and papers, and the weekly Ministerial report. * Advising on and drafting responses to Official Information Act requests, and managing the end-to-end process in accordance with the Act. * Partnering with Puni to understand their priorities and support the delivery of high-quality, timely advice to the Minister and their office. * Leading and contributing to the team’s continuous improvement initiatives, and providing governance secretariat support, as required. The likely appointment range is $105,100 - $128,454, based on skills and experience. The full grade for this role is $105,100 - $140,132, with a mid-point of $116,777, the salary will be pro-rated for the period of the fixed term. For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.
Mōu | About you You are a confident, proactive Senior Advisor with a strong track record in public sector ministerial and governance services. You enjoy variety, thrive in fast-paced environments, and are motivated to deliver high-impact advisory services
You will bring: * Public Sector Expertise – At least 3 years of experience in public sector advisory roles, with deep knowledge of the machinery of government and public law legislation, including the Official Information Act, as well as a working knowledge of secretariat and governance services. * Ministerial Servicing Excellence – Proven ability to write, advise on, review, and build capability in relation to Ministerial documents and Official Information Act responses. * Strategic Communication – Demonstrated ability to communicate with clarity and confidence, tailor advice for senior audiences, and influence effectively across leadership and Ministerial environments. * Relationship Building – A team player who has a collaborative approach and ability to build strong, trusted relationships with the team, across Puni teams and agencies. * Continuous Improvement – A mindset for innovation and service improvement, and a commitment to uplifting capability across the Ministry. * Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and comfort working in te ao Māori environments. Tertiary qualifications in law, public policy, governance or a related field are desirable.
Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return Te Puni Kōkiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate kaimahi focused on creating solutions that will help our communities. We are guided by our values of te wero, manaakitanga, he toa takitini and ture tangata. There is more to life than just work and we encourage our kaimahi to maintain the right balance between mahi and their personal lives. Your whānau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their whānau to thrive, including: * A range of allowances including childcare, optical and te reo Māori proficiency * Medical insurance discounts * Flexible working options * In house te reo Māori training * Kaimahi development and career options Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do – using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong.
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We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing Māori aspirations and well-being.  Tono mai | Apply Now!  Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rātapu 2 Ākuhata 2026 ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Sunday 2 August 2026 at 11.55pm.   Tukuna mai tau tono ā-ipurangi | Please submit your application online. Nau mai rā ko ngā tononga i te reo Māori, te reo Pākehā, te reorua rānei | We welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both. Īmēratia [email protected] me he pātai āu | Email [email protected] with any pātai. We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: [email protected]