Advisor, Senior Advisor or Principal Advisor - Commissioning Transformation

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Help shape the future of commissioning for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

Oranga Tamariki is transforming how services are commissioned, funded and improved. We are looking for people who can bring fresh thinking, challenge established approaches and help build a commissioning system that delivers better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Whether your experience is in commissioning, policy, investment, procurement, service design, transformation or another area of complex change, this is an opportunity to help shape how future services are designed, funded and improved.

We have opportunities at Advisor, Senior Advisor and Principal Advisor levels.

• Fixed-term or secondment opportunity through to 30 June 2027

• Help shape future commissioning practice at Oranga Tamariki

• Work across investment, commissioning and system transformation

• Collaborate with providers, iwi, Māori organisations and government partners

• Contribute to lasting change for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki works to improve outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi and make New Zealand the best place in the world to be a child.

We work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations, providers, communities and government agencies to deliver services that make a meaningful difference.

Our values guide everything we do:

• 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

As part of our Commissioning Excellence team, you'll help develop the disciplines, tools and practices that support better commissioning decisions across Oranga Tamariki.

Depending on your level, you may:

• Develop advice, frameworks and practical tools

• Lead complex projects and workstreams

• Influence investment and commissioning decisions

• Build strong relationships across the sector

• Provide strategic leadership on transformation initiatives

We're looking for people who combine sound judgement, curiosity and a commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Advisor

Build your advisory capability while contributing research, analysis, engagement and practical improvements to commissioning practice.

Senior Advisor

Lead complex work, develop high-quality advice and help translate strategy into practical implementation.

Principal Advisor

Provide strategic leadership across commissioning and transformation initiatives, influence senior decision-makers, mentor others and help shape the future direction of commissioning practice.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We welcome applicants with commissioning experience and people from related disciplines who can bring fresh perspectives and help strengthen commissioning practice.

Relevant experience may include:

• Service and outcome design

• Operational policy

• Investment and funding

• Procurement and contract management

• Planning and performance

• Transformation and implementation

• Other forms of complex system change

Across all levels, we value:

• Strong analytical thinking and judgement

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• The ability to build trusted relationships

• Curiosity, initiative and a practical delivery focus

• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

• A genuine interest in improving public services

For Senior Advisor and Principal Advisor appointments, we'll also look for experience leading complex work, influencing decision-makers and supporting significant organisational or system change.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Join a talented team working at the centre of a significant organisational transformation.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to major commissioning and investment work

• Learn from experienced practitioners, providers and partners

• Access flexible working and professional development opportunities

• Help shape commissioning practice for the future

Remuneration will reflect the level at which the successful candidate is appointed.

If you're motivated by purpose and want to help shape the future of commissioning for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau, we'd like to hear from you.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Apply online with your CV and cover letter.

Please tell us:

• Which level or levels you are interested in

• Whether you are seeking a secondment or fixed-term opportunity

• What excites you about helping transform commissioning practice at Oranga Tamariki

• What skills, experience or perspectives you would bring

For Senior Advisor and Principal Advisor applications, please also provide an example of how you have:

• Improved an established approach

• Influenced organisational direction

• Led a complex initiative

• Helped embed lasting change

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

For enquiries, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Please make yourself familiar with the Oranga Tamariki 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.