Senior Statutory Bodies Advisor, Governance and Government Services

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitūtanga | About the role

The Governance and Government Services Unit is seeking a Senior Statutory Bodies Advisor to strategically advise the Minister and actively engage in addressing significant and fascinating topics, working with more than 75 highly varied statutory bodies. This is a unique and rare opportunity in a highly regarded team.

This position reports to the Manager Statutory Appointments / NZCA Executive Officer, and is responsible for providing expert advice, support and services in relation to the Department of Conservations entity governance. The key areas of responsibility of this position will include managing the board appointment process, supporting the NZCA, and maintaining effective partnerships with our internal and external stakeholders.

Examples of some of the NZCA's stakeholder engagements are NZ Forest and Bird, World Wildlife Foundation, Te Uru Rākau, Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, Game Animal Council, conservation boards, the tourism industry and so on. etc. They also actively engage with mana whenua at place during their two out-of-Wellington meetings.

Find out more about our statutory bodies here.

The position will be focused on:

• coordinating and managing board appointment processes including candidate management, drafting briefings for the Minister providing recommendations and advice, and drafting letters of appointment
• drafting papers for the NZCA, including discussion papers for Authority meetings, commission papers from Department's Senior Managers for the Authority, and work to develop their annual workplan
• drafting cabinet papers and ministerial briefing papers, and responses to OIA requests and parliamentary questions, as required
• providing advice and support to the Department of Conservations regional Board Support Officers regarding government priority alignment.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• proven experience managing end-to-end board appointment processes and/or a background in governance advisory services
• sound understanding of the machinery of government and the role of departments in relation to Crown entities
• strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft (MS) Teams and MS Forms
• expertise in clear concise business writing including technical and Ministerial correspondence and reports
• strong critical thinking, analysis skills and attention to detail
• the ability to distil information from a variety of sources and quickly develop sound advice
• strong self-management skills, and ability to manage high workloads, multi-task, prioritise and adapt as required
• proven ability to quickly build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders including board Chairs
• understanding of Te Ao and Mātauranga Māori
• a relevant tertiary qualification.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Governance and Government Services Unit sits inside the Public Affairs Group, which is responsible for building and enhancing the trust and confidence with New Zealanders and Parliament, while protecting and enhancing the Department of Conservations reputation and brand.

The Unit is the key link between the Department of Conservation and the Minister's office for the flow of information and advice. The team is tight knit, working collegially to create a trusting, inclusive and effective team culture, each member approachable and always willing to help one another out.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

The Department of Conservation places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining the Department of Conservation. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $92,450 to $116,985 per annum, with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries contact Rick McGovern-Wilson, Statutory Appointments / NZCA Manager rmcgovern@doc.govt.nz.

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1854248.