Engagement Lead at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Multiple Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Fixed term role until 30 June 2027
• Role can based in either Te Tai Tokerau, Auckland or Wellington
• Help drive the success in our partnerships between Oranga Tamariki, iwi, hapū, whānau and kaupapa Māori organisations
  
  

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. 

This role sits within the Māori Partnerships and Communities group and is central to advancing our commitment to work with, and be led by, iwi and Māori to improve outcomes for tamariki and whānau. The vision of this work is to support the return of tamariki Māori in State Care to whānau, hapū and iwi, grounded in whakapapa, whenua and whanaungatanga, while helping prevent tamariki Māori from entering State Care.  

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

As an Engagement Lead, you will play a key role in building and sustaining trusted partnerships between Oranga Tamariki, iwi, hapū, whānau and kaupapa Māori organisations. You will support the design, implementation and delivery of innovative, whānau-centred services that contribute to better outcomes for tamariki and whānau.  

Working across regions and with a diverse range of stakeholders, you will: 

• Develop and maintain strong, effective relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau and kaupapa Māori organisations. 
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments and provide trusted advice that supports shared aspirations and outcomes. 
• Lead and coordinate co-design initiatives from planning and commissioning through to implementation and ongoing growth. 
• Support the successful delivery of partnership plans, ensuring milestones, reporting, communications and timelines are achieved. 
• Drive collaboration and innovation between Oranga Tamariki and Māori partners to transform care and community-based services. 
• Support change management activities that embed newly designed services and ways of working. 
• Identify strategic opportunities, risks and emerging issues and provide advice to inform organisational decision-making. 
• Champion Mana Tamaiti principles and contribute to strengthening culturally responsive practice across the organisation.  

This is a highly relationship-focused role requiring someone who can operate confidently in both Te Ao Māori and government environments while balancing strategic thinking with delivery excellence.  

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring 

We're looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for tamariki Māori and who brings a genuine commitment to partnering with iwi and Māori communities. 

To be successful in this role, you'll bring: 

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining influential relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, community organisations and diverse stakeholders. 
• Strong understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga Māori and key cultural concepts including Mana Tamaiti, Manaakitanga, Whakamana Tangata, Mana Whenua and Mana Motuhake. 
• Confidence engaging in environments where mātauranga Māori and te reo Māori are present. 
• Experience leading complex projects, programmes or initiatives, including planning, implementation, reporting and risk management. 
• Proven ability to facilitate collaboration, co-design and change initiatives across multiple stakeholder groups. 
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and navigate complexity. 
• Knowledge of social service delivery, community-led approaches and contemporary issues affecting tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. 
• Experience working within the public, social services, health, education or community sectors. 
• An understanding of government systems, policy environments and partnership-based ways of working. 
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.  

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you 

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package that provides annual progression through tenure and experience. 

Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 depending on experience. 

We offer: 

• Flexible working arrangements 
• A supportive and values-driven team environment 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 
• A genuine commitment to wellbeing 
• The opportunity to help shape meaningful change for tamariki, whānau, hapū and iwi across Aotearoa 

We welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. This is an opportunity to contribute to transformational change and help achieve lasting outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit 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 using your Oranga Tamariki email address. 

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

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 16 August. 

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for all kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.