Programme Change Lead - Disability at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Pivotal role supporting the Disability Programme. 
• Wellington 
• 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 

The Oranga Tamariki Disability Strategy was shaped through extensive engagement with the disability community, including tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people, care-experienced young people, iwi, and whānau. 

In September 2025, Te Riu (our Leadership team) endorsed a dedicated Programme to support implementation of this Strategy - strengthening how we meet the disability needs and uphold the rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers. 

The Disability Programme focuses on improving practices and services, strengthening disability data and insights, building capability across all kaimahi, and enhancing our ability to advocate for change across the children’s and disability systems. 

The Change Lead - Programme role is to lead and coordinate the successful delivery of programme change, working closely with the Programme team to drive outcomes across the programme. The role is responsible for obtaining a coherent view of how the programme's varied initiatives interrelate, as well as how the programme connects and impacts other related work outside of the programme, to support a cohesive and influential narrative. 

The Change Lead – Programme also plays a key role in building organisational capability for change, helping to embed new ways of working and realise the benefits the programme is designed to achieve. They are responsible for maintaining the overall integrity and coherence of the programme, creating an environment that enables individual projects to succeed while contributing to broader programme objectives. 

The ideal candidate will bring lived experience of disability to the way we work.  

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring 

Key requirements of the role include:  

• Knowledge of the disability sector and models of disability, with experience in public sector, frontline service environments, or organisations with similar complexity. 
• Demonstrated connection to the disability community and experience designing, developing, and delivering disability-centred capability products and communications. 
• Demonstrated change management expertise, including assessing change impacts, developing change strategies, and supporting successful adoption and benefits realisation. 
• Ability to design and implement change interventions that support individuals and teams through organisational change. 
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels, including senior leaders. 
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively. 
• Experience monitoring and reporting programme, project, and change performance, including risks, dependencies, progress, and outcomes. 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you 

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. 

Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include:  

• NZSL interpreters. 
• Assistancefor mobility and transport needs.  
• Accessible meeting spaces and online options. 
• Adjustments to the application or interview process on request.

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

We encourage applications from disabled persons and welcome you to talk with us about any support you may need throughout the application process. 

Hurry as applications for this role close at 11"59pm on Thursday 20 August 2026. 

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.