Head of Advisory

About Us | Mō mātou 

The Department of Internal Affairs provides administrative assistance to Public and Government Inquiries. These Inquiries can inquire into any matter of public importance or concern to the Government of the day. These could include Royal Commissions, which are appointed by and report to the Governor-General or Government Inquiries which are appointed by and report to a Minister.  Both types of Inquiry have the same legal powers and are supported by Inquiry teams made up of subject matter experts and highly experienced support specialists.  

The role | Te tūnga 

This exciting new fixed term/secondment (through to mid-December 2026) is responsible for leading a specialist policy / research team responsible for providing high quality, evidence-based advice and information to the Members and the Inquiry Leadership team.

You will lead a high-performance advisory team who will have the capability to work on complex and wider-ranging subject matter developing and delivering exceptional policy and research advice. We require a strong communicator and sharp thinker who can provide both strategic and intellectual leadership to the newly established Advisory function. 

You will have had proven success setting and delivering significant strategic advisory workplans with multiple work streams within high profile, timebound environments. 

What you bring | Nōu te rourou 

• Well-developed and proven strategic planning expertise
• Proven experience leading research and/or policy teams that have successfully delivered complex time-bound work programmes 
• Strong understanding of research, policy and legislative environments.
• Exceptional communication skills 
• Ability to influence and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders 
• Applies excellent judgement navigating complex, sensitive, or ambiguous issues 
• Comfortable working at pace and with shifting priorities

For you | Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. 

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $200,431 - $249,426.  

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our recruitment team below if there is any support we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

Applications for this role close Sunday 24th May at 5pm. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions please e-mail Jo Attewell - jo.attewell@dia.govt.nz.