Senior Advisor Compliance

About Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

Oranga Tamariki is committed to placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its efforts, guided by core values such as putting Tamariki first, practicing Aroha, respecting people's Mana, acting with Tika and Pono, valuing Whakapapa, and recognizing that Oranga is a journey. The organisation strives to make New Zealand the best place for children and works collaboratively with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations for appropriate solutions.

Role Overview

This newly created Senior Advisor Compliance position, based in Wellington, offers a unique chance to influence and develop the compliance framework organisation-wide. The role involves partnering with senior leaders, legal experts, risk professionals, and various teams to embed legislative, regulatory, and policy obligations in practical and meaningful ways. The position requires active contribution to building a positive compliance culture, crafting user-friendly guidance, enhancing compliance frameworks, identifying risks, supporting monitoring and assurance, coaching teams, and engaging in policy development.

Key Responsibilities

• Fostering a proactive and positive compliance culture throughout the organisation.
• Helping teams comprehend and apply legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements effectively.
• Converting complex rules into clear, practical guidance for operational use.
• Enhancing compliance frameworks, governance processes, and systems.
• Spotting emerging compliance risks and recommending areas for improvement.
• Supporting compliance monitoring, reporting, and assurance activities.
• Collaborating with Legal, Risk, and operational leaders to resolve compliance issues sustainably.
• Providing coaching, training, advice, and engagement to build compliance capability.
• Contributing to the development, review, and implementation of corporate policies and standards.

Candidate Profile

This role suits professionals from diverse backgrounds such as compliance, legal practice, regulatory environments, risk management, internal audit, governance, public policy, or the New Zealand Public Service. Important qualities include strong judgment, the ability to interpret complex requirements pragmatically, excellent relationship-building skills, credibility to influence and challenge, experience in policy and governance frameworks, cross-organisational collaboration skills, risk assessment capability, strong communication, curiosity, initiative, continuous improvement mindset, and an understanding or willingness to learn about tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti principles.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working with office presence in Wellington and flexible work-from-home options, with a preference for candidates already in or willing to relocate to Wellington.
• Salary range starts from NZD 106,416 to 117,782 per year, depending on experience.
• Opportunity for annual salary progression based on tenure and experience.
• Supportive team environment with significant training, professional development, and commitment to wellbeing.
• Inclusive work culture committed to diversity and respectful practices.
• Applications close at midnight on 30th September 2026; early applications encouraged.
• Applicants must comply with the organisation's code of conduct ensuring workplace is free from drugs and alcohol influences.