Aporei - Principal Advisors, Strategy

**Aporei, Rautaki | **Principal Advisor, Strategy
**Te Rautaki me te Ahunga | **Strategy and Performance
**Te Puni Rautaki | **Strategy
**Te Tari Matua, Pōneke | **National Office, Wellington

The Strategy puni are looking for 2x Principal Advisors with strong strategic and critical thinking skills to join their team and contribute to Te Puni Kōkiri's commitment to 'Whānau Taurikura' - 'Thriving Whānau'.

**Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity**

The Strategy team is responsible for supporting the strategic direction setting for Te Puni Kōkiri. This team provides the Executive Leadership Team with relevant insights and context to inform strategic decision making and facilitates strategy development processes to make those decisions. To be successful, this team will work effectively across Te Puni Kōkiri and the wider public service to understand the landscape to inform Te Puni Kōkiri strategy.

The team plays a key role in:

- Developing strategic policy and associated work programmes, developing and implementing robust strategies, framing and supporting organisational performance, and demonstrating the effectiveness of the public sector. This includes maintaining a comprehensive evidence base to support better policy development and decision-making, ultimately driving improved outcomes for Māori.
- Delivering advice to the Secretary for Māori Development, the ultimate owner of Te Puni Kōkiri strategy.
- Providing Ministers with high quality advice and information on Te Puni Kōkiri strategy and strategic initiatives.
- Strategic engagement across the wider public sector to support the design and delivery of effective services for Māori.
- Ensuring that the organisation's proposed initiatives are well-aligned to Te Puni Kōkiri strategic framework.
- Supporting strong planning and preparation processes for the annual business cycle, e.g. Budget development, Annual Reporting to Parliament, Select Committee appearances.
- Projecting Te Puni Kōkiri achievements and fulfilling accountability requirements through annual reporting to Parliament and Select Committee appearances.

The Principal Advisor, Strategy will work effectively across Te Puni Kōkiri by:

- Building relationships in other puni to understand how organisational performance can inform strategic direction setting.
- Having a strong ability to identify and synthesise relevant sources of information outside of Te Puni Kōkiri that may influence strategy.
- Supporting defined streams of the Strategy puni work programme and is expected to support on other aspects of the work programme as required.
- Coach and mentor staff and support professional development of other kaimahi within the Strategy team.

**Mōu | About you**

A suitable opportunity for someone with strategic and critical thinking skills along with strong written communication and influencing skills.
- **Extensive Experience in Strategic Policy**: Proven background in a strategic policy environment, with a deep understanding of policy frameworks and the ability to navigate complex strategic contexts.
- **Strong Relationship-Building Skills**: Ability to cultivate, sustain, and strengthen relationships within Te Puni Kōkiri, government departments, Māori communities, and other key stakeholders.
- **In-Depth Understanding of Accountability and Strategy Development**: Familiarity with the public sector accountability cycle and the strategy development process, particularly within government agencies.
- **Exceptional Communication Skills**: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences and clearly explain complex issues, including to non-technical experts.
- **Government and Public Service Knowledge**: Comprehensive understanding of the government's structure, public service principles, and the rationale for government intervention.
- **Leadership and Team Collaboration**: Experience leading teams in project work, fostering collaboration with team members and their respective line managers.
- **Cultural Competence**: A strong understanding of Te Ao Māori, with fluency in Te Reo Māori and experience working with iwi, hapū, whānau, Māori organisations, and communities.
- **Stakeholder Management**: Proven track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder relationships, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve shared goals.
- **Attention to Detail and Quality**: A high level of commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and the timely delivery of high-quality outcomes.
- **Leadership in Politically Sensitive Environments**: Demonstrated leadership experience in navigating complex, politically charged settings, ensuring sensitive issues are managed appropriately.
- **Commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi**: Understanding the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi and its relevance to the work being undertaken.
- **Cultural Respect and Māori Values**: Experience working alongside Māori communities wi