Principal Advisor - Commissioning

Help shape the future of community-led service deliveryMust be strategic and operationally focusedFixed term opportunity based in our National Office until 30th June 2026Mō mātou | About usOranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:We put Tamariki firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyWe are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.Mō te tūnga | About the roleThe Enabling Communities programme was established to test and prototype opportunities to shift decision making and resources closer to Māori and communities - in other words, the testing of decentralisation. Partners lead the development, design, implementation and evaluation of their prototypes while the role of Oranga Tamariki is to enable and implement the changes needed internally to support the delivery and evaluation of partner prototypes.We are seeking a strategic and operationally focused Principal Advisor - Commissioning to help shape the future of community-led service delivery. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of transformational change, supporting partners and the organisation to identify and implement commissioning practices that support current partner prototypes as well as future decentralisation efforts.In addition to the technical skills of the role, the successful candidate needs to be confident and experienced engaging in te ao Māori and have a strong grasp of te ao Māori concepts. Experience with the development of investment planning, service procurement and contracting, commissioning frameworks, supporting staff and partners to build commissioning capability, and confidence in preparing and presenting information to leaders and ministerial audiences is important for this role.The Enabling Communities team are a passionate, driven group of people who want to create long term system change. You will love this team and this kaupapa if you have a sense of humour, are resilient, and can stay focused on the goal regardless of the choppy seas we sometimes need to navigate.This role is based in our Wellington office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate for this opportunity.Nōu te rourou | What's in it for youOranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visitMe pēhea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contactApplications for this role close at midnight on Sunday 2nd November 2025.If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.