Senior Advisor, Public Sector Performance

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Senior Advisor, Public Sector Performance

Public Sector Performance

Wellington

Permanent

Salary range: $108,003 to $144,460

The Public Service Commission leads the public sector to make a positive difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders. The Public Sector Performance Group drives public sector performance and supports the exercise of statutory responsibilities for chief executive recruitment, remuneration and development. The Group also advises Crown entities, boards and monitoring agencies on governance and monitoring best practice. The Group has a critical role in ensuring the Public Sector is high performing and delivering results for New Zealanders.

About the role

Want to help shape the future of New Zealand's Public Service? Join us at the centre of government and make a real impact on how agencies deliver for New Zealanders.

As a Senior Advisor in the Public Sector Performance Group, you will provide strategic advice and lead complex work programmes that drive the performance of the Public Sector. You will hold a portfolio of agencies and provide advice to senior leaders, including the Public Service Commissioner, Deputy Public Service Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioners on the performance of chief executives and their agencies.

You'll work on priority issues and programmes that drive delivery and results for New Zealanders. Our focus is on ensuring we take a real-time, outcomes focused approach to drive delivery and performance through Public Service Chief Executives and agencies.

Enabling a strong Central Agency approach to driving Public Sector performance is a key foundation for how we work. You will work closely with our Central Agency partners to ensure senior leaders and Ministers are well supported with the insights and interventions to actively drive Public Sector performance. You will also help build the capability and performance of Crown entities, boards and monitoring agencies to deliver a high performing Public Service.

The opportunity

This is your chance to work at the heart of government and influence decisions that shape the future of New Zealand's Public Service. As a Senior Advisor, you'll have direct exposure to senior leaders, tackle high-profile issues, and help drive improvements that deliver better results for New Zealanders. No two days are the same - this role offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to make a real impact on how public services perform and respond to the priorities that matter most.

The opportunities you will get in this role include:

• helping modernise how public services are designed, delivered and improved, including supporting reforms that strengthen agency performance, improve service delivery, harness digital and emerging technologies, and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders

• enabling active, real-time assessments on the effectiveness of agencies in delivering their core services and Government priorities, and advising Ministers on interventions to accelerate delivery

• shaping the performance of Public Service leaders through facilitating annual chief executive expectation-setting and performance review processes

• lead the delivery of Performance Improvement Reviews that shape strategic direction and build the capability Public Sector agencies need to meet current and future priorities

• working with Central Agencies to provide Ministers with advice on the delivery and performance of Public Service agencies, including supporting the delivery of the Government's priorities and strategic work programmes

• engaging with Crown entity boards, chairs and monitoring agencies to drive the capability and performance of Crown entities delivering critical public services

• working with cross Commission teams in other areas led by the Commission, including machinery of government, workforce and integrity matters.

What we are looking for

We're looking for an experienced and highly capable advisor who is passionate about improving the performance of New Zealand's Public Service. You'll bring strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, sound judgement, and a track record of delivering high-quality advice on complex issues.

To succeed in this role, you'll be confident working with senior leaders across government and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. You'll be skilled at building trusted relationships, synthesising complex information, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and translating analysis into practical advice that supports decision-making and drives results.

You will have a track record of leading work programmes, influencing stakeholders, and delivering outcomes in complex environments. A proactive, outcomes-focused mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities will be critical to your success.

Important Information

We believe in a diverse and inclusive Public Service which reflects the communities that we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. We welcome every gender, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, and background and encourage people to be their authentic selves at work. Talk to us about what flexible work arrangements might work for both you and us.

Remuneration

The full range for the band is $108,003 to $144,460. We typically look to appoint to the role between $108,003 to $131,551, depending on skills and experience.

How to apply:

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Robert Anderson, Manager, Public Sector Performance by email at robert.anderson@publicservice.govt.nz.

In your cover letter we'd like to know:

• about you

• your interest and motivations for this role

• the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you would bring to the role and our organisation.

Requirements

To be appointed to this position, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance you must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, your application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool (process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool) to self-check your eligibility for a clearance. Please note that this tool is indicative only, and initiation of a formal security clearance will be undertaken prior to any appointment.

Please note that all applicants are required to apply via jobs.govt.nz. You will need a RealMe account to apply.

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, you must hold current eligibility to work in New Zealand and for Te Kawa Mataaho. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service for further information.

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Job ad opened for applications on 9October 2026.

Please submit your application by or on 25 October 2026