Principal Advisor – Integrity and Ethics

Key Responsibilities: • Design and implement policy interventions to enhance integrity performance across the Public Sector. • Prepare high-quality advice, including briefings, reports, and consultation documents for Ministers and senior leaders, in both written and visual formats. • Contribute to strategic thinking and thought leadership within the Commission on the integrity of the public sector. • Maintain expert knowledge of the drivers, challenges, and best practices for upholding the highest standards of integrity and conduct. • Provide analysis and advice that influences improvements at the agency, sector, and system levels. • Develop and promote guidance, frameworks, and resources to support and enhance integrity standards across the Public Service. • Establish and foster effective networks within the Commission and external communities of practice to build influence across the Public Sector. • Lead the development of standards, case studies, and resources that elevate integrity practices and promote public service principles and values. • Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment to meet objectives and goals.

The Strategy, Policy, and Integrity team is dedicated to ensuring that the public sector is well-equipped to serve the needs of New Zealanders. We provide leadership to foster a cohesive culture and uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability across the public service. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic, collaborative team that is committed to integrity and tackling complex, impactful challenges.

We are seeking a skilled Principal Advisor who can offer timely, high-quality advice and lead the execution of projects across a diverse and ambitious work programme.

As a Principal Advisor, you will collaborate with senior public service leaders to address emerging issues and drive system-level change. Your role will involve contributing to strategic discussions on integrity and presenting complex matters to various audiences efficiently.

• Experience at Principal Advisor level (or extensive experience at Senior Advisor level), working with and through others to plan and deliver programmes of work • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to present complex matters simply • Strategic thinker and analyst with experience in delivering effective strategic policy analysis and advice • Proven experience in developing and maintaining strong working relationships • A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience • Sophisticated interpersonal skills and the ability to develop relationships both within the Commission and externally, including understand different stakeholder's motivations and the ability to influence and persuade • Effective planning and organisational skills, as well as resilience and agility to shift direction and respond to a changing environment • Strong knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Maori and Te Ao Maori, knowledge of Te Reo Maori is an advantage • A commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Ability to meet the criteria required to hold a NZ Government security clearance at the level assigned for the position • An updated CV and cover letter is required for this opportunity

You will possess strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, with a proven track record of thriving in team environments and delivering results. Critical thinking, excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), and confidence in engaging with a broad range of stakeholders are essential.