Programme Coordinator at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Pivotal role supporting the Legislative Development and Implementation Programme within Youth Justice
• Role encompasses mix of project and programme coordination.
• Fixed Term until 30 June 2027. 

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for an experienced Programme Coordinator to support our Legislative Development and implementation Programme within Youth Justice. The Programme covers several projects and workstreams:

• The Searches project addresses updated search powers and obligations that impact entry to Youth Justice facilities managed by OT. 
• The Lockdowns project covers preparations in response to proposed Legislation concerning rights to lockdown in secure spaces of Youth Justice facilities. 
• Responding to Serious Youth Offending involves a new service design and intensive care management resources to support Youth Serious Offenders.
• Detentions project involves interim and future state service designs involving OT and the Family Court to mandate, review and extend time-bound detention of at-risk Youths in Secure Care & Protection facilities.

The Programme Coordinator will provide support to the Programme Manager (or equivalent role), as well as offering project coordination support to Project Managers across one or two of the workstreams, as required.

The other key function of this role is Secretariat to one or more high level Governance Boards, which includes organisation and logistical arrangements for regular Board meetings, agenda management, liaison with programmes/projects on Board papers and submissions, minute taking and follows ups, and general support to the Chair and members of the Board.

Hybrid working arrangements – office based in Wellington with flexible WFH options.

This role is based in our Wellington office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate to Wellington for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Minimum two years’ experience as a Programme Coordinator in supporting Programme Manager/Programme Team in a complex programme.
• Organisational and multi-tasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships and networks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to interact with stakeholders
• Proficiency with office software, SAP, financial literacy and cost modelling skillset.
• Experience in maintaining project plans and control books (including risk register, issues register etc).
• Secretariat experience to a high-level Board, including drafting agenda, papers, minute-taking, action follow-up.
• Experience in producing effective presentations, status reports and other project artefacts.
• Effective time management skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $90,429 and $100,019 dependant on experience.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications for this role close at 5pm on Sunday 17 May 2026.