Senior Advisor Risk at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Help shape better decisions for tamariki and rangatahi

• Partner with senior leaders to navigate risk, uncertainty and change
• Contribute to Board and Executive-level reporting and insights
• Join a trusted Risk and Internal Assurance team committed to making a genuine difference
• Permanent Wellington-based role with flexible working arrangements

 

Mō mātou | About us

At Oranga Tamariki, we put tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do.

Our purpose is to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where they can thrive and realise their potential. Every day, our people work to support better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across Aotearoa.

Our values guide how we work:

• 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

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Risk management works best when it helps people make better decisions, not when it becomes a compliance exercise.

Our enterprise Risk and Internal Assurance team helps leaders across Oranga Tamariki navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions and focus on what matters most. We are continuing to strengthen our influence across the organisation and are looking for someone who wants to play a key role in that journey.

As Senior Advisor Risk, you'll provide trusted advice and practical support to managers and leaders across the organisation. You'll facilitate meaningful conversations about risk, challenge thinking where needed, and help teams make confident, well-informed decisions.

This is a role for someone who enjoys building relationships, asking thoughtful questions, solving complex problems and making a visible contribution.

 

Why this role is different

This isn't a role where you'll sit on the sidelines producing reports.

You'll work alongside leaders tackling real organisational challenges and support conversations that influence priorities, performance and outcomes across Oranga Tamariki. Your work will help shape how risk is considered in decision-making and contribute to discussions at the highest levels of the organisation.

You will have opportunities to:

• Partner with leaders on strategic and enterprise-wide risks
• Support decision-making on complex and high-profile issues
• Influence how risk informs planning, investment and organisational priorities
• Contribute to Executive Leadership Team and Risk and Assurance Committee reporting
• Build trusted relationships across a diverse and geographically dispersed organisation
• Help strengthen organisational risk maturity and risk-informed decision-making

For someone who wants to combine analytical thinking, influencing skills and purpose-driven work, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation that serves some of New Zealand's most vulnerable children and young people.

 

Key responsibilities

• Facilitate risk workshops and risk discussions across the organisation
• Provide high-quality risk advice and support to managers and teams
• Support the design and delivery of risk training and capability-building initiatives
• Contribute to enterprise risk reporting and analysis
• Support delivery of the risk management work programme
• Assist with the continuous improvement of risk frameworks, tools and processes
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and promote practical, value-adding risk management

At Oranga Tamariki, flexible working is the default. We trust our people to find ways of working that enable them to do their best work while maintaining wellbeing and balance.

 

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you'll bring

You'll bring a combination of sound judgement, strong analytical capability and the ability to build trusted relationships.

You will have:

• Experience in risk management, governance, assurance, internal audit, compliance or a related discipline
• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• An understanding of organisational risk management frameworks and reporting practices
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail
• The confidence and credibility to work with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills
• An appreciation of cross-cultural practices, particularly tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures

 

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This is an opportunity to use your skills to make a meaningful difference.

The appointment range for this Band 17 position is $106,416 to $117,782 depending on experience, with annual tenure-based progression available above this range.

You'll also enjoy:

• Flexible working arrangements
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
• Exposure to senior leaders and strategic organisational issues
• A genuine commitment to wellbeing and inclusion
• The opportunity to contribute to better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

 

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

If you are an existing Oranga Tamariki employee, please apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

For further information about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications for this role close at midnight on Tuesday 15th September 2026

We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

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.