Advisor - Behavioural Science Aotearoa at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Advisor, Behavioural Science Aotearoa

• Are you up for the challenge? Apply behavioural science to complex issues facing the Justice Sector
• Make a difference: improve outcomes across the Justice Sector by applying and testing innovative solutions
• Work collaboratively with a supportive team in a varied, interesting, and rewarding role

The High Impact Innovation Programme (HIIP) is a cross-sector group that delivers operational improvements across the criminal justice system in partnership with government agencies and Māori and through investing in community capability. This programme supports the Government's commitment to reform the criminal justice system and works towards the strategic priorities of the Justice Sector Leadership Board.

At Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections - Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi - there is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

Mō te tīma/About our Team

Almost everything we do within the Justice Sector involves and influences behaviour. The Behavioural Science Aotearoa team work collaboratively with multiple Justice Sector Agencies to understand those who work within and interact with the Justice system, and drive service and policy design that accounts for the ways that people behave and make decisions.

Our team have a great working culture. We value diversity of thought, are curious and motivated to deliver great outcomes for New Zealanders, ensuring equity and fairness.  Work life balance is a priority for us, and everyone is encouraged to support their wellbeing. We promote career development, offer a dynamic and social environment, and offer a place you can be yourself.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The primary purpose of the Advisor is to support Behavioural Science Aotearoa, and the wider HIIP team, to deliver behavioural insights projects across the Justice Sector agencies which aim to improve the outcomes of our customers.

The role accountabilities of the Advisor include:

• Contributing to a set of behavioural insights projects and products
• Increasing awareness and promoting the use of behavioural insights in the Justice Sector
• Identifying opportunities to run behavioural insights projects and trials
• Applying robust research methodologies using qualitative and quantitative techniques (including but not limited to randomised controlled trials)
• Conducting background research, and writing literature reviews, trial protocols and reports
• Identifying opportunities to continuously improve and innovate, research and evaluation and behavioural insights methodologies and techniques

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a motivated person to join us to help shape the use of behavioural science across a range of challenging and complex issues. You'll work on practical projects with tangible results that will make a real difference to New Zealand.  You'll also have the opportunity to grow New Zealand's understanding of behavioural science in our cultural context.

We are looking for someone with:

• A good understanding of the behavioural science literature and how it can be applied
• Experience building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A tertiary degree in behavioural economics, social psychology, marketing or other behavioural science related fields, or relevant experience
• Experience working with iwi Māori and/or experience in Kaupapa Māori research is highly desirable, but not essential.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The full range of this salary (85%-120%) is $57,398 - $81,032. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Wā Mahi Ngāwari - Flexible Working

If you're interested, we are open to discussing flexible working options with you.  This can take many forms such as, remote working, flexible start and finish times.  Please feel free to talk to us at the about the flexibility you need and we will explore what's possible for the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu. 

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi (https://arapoutama.nz/hokairangi).

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To apply, please answer three specific questions, relevant to this position, during application and also submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Applications for this role will close on Tuesday 31^st January 2023.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.  All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz