Senior Official Information Act Advisor, (Fixed Term) at Department of Conservation, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Provide specialist advice and support on the Official Information Act (OIA) across the Department, identify and evaluate risks and prepare responses for release.
• Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to work across exciting work programmes.
• Four weeks + three days annual leave per year pro-rata, flexible working options.
• Fixed term: 12 months, Wellington location but open to other locations for the right candidate.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive 

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by: 

• protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes 
• managing threats and adverse impacts 
• being a voice for conservation 
• connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Are you politically-savvy, well-versed in government, keen to bring your OIA skills to a meaningful, high-impact role with Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation?

As Senior Advisor OIA, you'll take responsibility for the overarching quality assurance for the teams you support, and lead context meetings on complex and highly contentious matters. You will play a mentoring role within the team, providing advice on matters that are particularly sensitive or complex.   You will work closely with the Manager and Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic advice as required. There is also opportunity to be involved with some exciting projects..

The position will be focussed on:

• providing specialist advice and support during the lifecycle of an OIA request and the application of relevant legislation, internal policies and processes for proactive and reactive release of official information
• working with the business to identify and evaluate risks associated with requests, and recommend preferred approaches to responses
• writing responses, providing supporting information as appropriate, and developing standard response letters
• undertaking redactions, explaining withholding grounds, and preparing responses for proactive release.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a proactive and committed individual who is confident giving advice across the business on OIA and associated matters.  The team works at pace and is an extremely responsive, deadline driven environment. Working closely alongside our legal and media teams, you will use your keen risk radar, strong attention to detail and listening skills to ensure consistent and accurate advice is given. There's plenty of interesting work and opportunities to broaden your skills and grow your career with DOC.

We are keen to hear from you, if you have the following attributes:

• at least four years' experience in an OIA or legal environment
• strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• effective, articulate, and persuasive communicator both written and oral
• strong understanding of the machinery of government processes
• experienced developing and presenting metrics to a broad audience
• high attention to detail
• experience of using a workflow management tool
• highly adaptable, strong self-awareness and a strong collaborative team player
• unflappable in pressurised environments.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Government and Governance Team is in the Public Affairs group, which is responsible for building and enhancing trust and confidence with New Zealanders and Parliament, while protecting and enhancing DOC's reputation and brand.

The OIA Team forms part of the wider Government Services Team. The OIA team develop and own systems to support all of DOC with managing OIAs and ensuring appropriate engagement around information releases across DOC and with external parties, including the Minister.The team is a diverse team, and we keep the team spirit and connection alive through real-time, daily stand ups to ensure we're all working collectively to achieve great work. We are a small team and often work collaboratively to ensure we draw on the strengths of all team members.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• flexible working opportunities suited to your role
• career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme. 

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

The salary range for this position is $85,757.00 to $109,578.00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 5 pm on Friday, 3 February 2023.

Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries, contact Andrew Martin, amartin@doc.govt.nz.

Taupānga| Job Reference: 4000/34002.