Work Programme Lead, Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead a significant and high-profile programme that supports the Crown's participation in the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry.

• Provide strategic leadership, expert advice, and oversight of inquiry-related work across Manatū Wāhine.

• Permanent position based in Wellington CBD.

Mō Manatū Wāhine | About Manatū Wāhine

Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women is the Government's principal advisor on improving the lives of wāhine women and kōtiro girls in Aotearoa New Zealand. We provide system leadership, working across government and with stakeholders to improve outcomes for wāhine women and kōtiro girls.

Our people are crucial to achieving the strategic outcomes we are seeking. We are looking for an experienced team professional with a proven track record of delivery to join our team and help us deliver for wāhine women.

Our Ko wai mātou reflect who we are and what's most important to us; they guide and influence how we work as individuals, as teams and as one Ministry to achieve the best outcomes for those we serve - wāhine women and kōtiro girls of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our Ko wai mātou are:

• Kia Māia - we are brave and courageous in all that we do.

• Tuia mai - we embrace and support wāhine from all communities.

• Whakamanawa - we lead with heart to achieve the best outcomes for wāhine.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Reporting to the Kaiārahi, Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry, you will provide leadership across the inquiry work programme. You will set clear direction, support effective governance and delivery systems, oversee priorities and progress, and provide trusted advice to the manager, senior leaders and Ministers. You will also coordinate work across teams and agencies, maintain visibility of risks and dependencies and help kaimahi deliver quality outcomes.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You'll be an experienced public sector professional with a strong understanding of Waitangi Tribunal processes and the ability to lead complex programmes of work. You'll be comfortable operating in Māori environments, building trusted relationships with stakeholders and providing high-quality strategic advice.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Significant experience with Waitangi Tribunal matters and inquiry processes.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex work programmes and projects in a public sector or similarly complex environment.

• Strong strategic thinking, analysis, judgement and concise written communication.

• Confidence working in Māori environments and a commitment to strong Māori Crown relationships.

• Excellent stakeholder management, collaboration and influencing skills, including the ability to lead without formal authority.

• Sound organisational awareness, resilience and adaptability when priorities or requirements change.

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

The salary range for this role is $124,834 to $158,497. A copy of the full position description and application form can be found on the Manat Wähine website.

Applications close at 5pm, Tuesday 27 October 2026

To apply for this position, email your completed application form, cover letter and CV to the Recruitment Team via recruitment@women.govt.nz.

Applications made via Seek Quick Apply cannot be accepted.

We are committed to providing a working environment that values inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. We embrace the unique perspective and capabilities of our current and future employees, which will help us to improve outcomes for wahine women and kötiro girls. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.