Senior Advisor

Senior Governance Advisor
Based at Police National Headquarters, Wellington
Open to all Police employees (including constabulary staff)
Permanent, full time
JR 5340809
E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā.
Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face
Mō te tūnga | About the role
We are seeking a Senior Governance Advisor to support and enable effective executive decision-making by delivering high-quality governance advice, systems and coordination across New Zealand Police. This is a dynamic, fast-paced position where no two days are the same - you’ll be working closely with executive leaders, shaping governance systems, coordinating high-level forums, and ensuring the right conversations happen at the right time. If you are passionate about good governance, thrive in complexity, and enjoy connecting people, process, and strategy, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.
Police’s Governance model ensures the executive have appropriate oversight and are equipped to strategically lead a successful organisation into the future. The Executive Governance team are part of the Assurance Group and are the engine room that supports and enables effective governance within New Zealand Police.
As a Senior Governance Advisor, reporting to the Chief Advisor: Governance and Waitangi Tribunal Inquiries, you will be a key member of the Executive Governance Team, responsible for Police’s governance framework and establishing and maintaining the processes and systems required to give effect to the framework. A core function of this team is to provide governance advice and secretariat support services to the Police Executive.
**Ngā Haepapa Matua | Key Accountabilities**:
Provide governance advice to the Executive including the wider advisory and executive support teams
Support functional leads and chairs of governance forums
Advise on forward agendas aligned with planning and strategy cycles
Summarise key decisions, risks, and outcomes in a concise and professional format.
Build strong and trusted relationships with key stakeholders
Develop and maintain core governance systems and processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
Maintain expertise in governance through research and inter-agency learning
Lead and contribute to the education and capability development of staff on Police’s governance model and expectations
Support the delivery on all team objectives and periodic reviews of governance processes
He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring
Being part of the Police whānau is about being our best to ensure our communities are safe and feel safe. Our Core Competencies provide a shared understanding of the behaviours, leadership and technical competence required for success at each level of Police. Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.
**To be successful in this role you will bring**:
Strong relationship management skills
Experience supporting executive-level governance forums and decision-making processes
Excellent written and oral communication and the ability to prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and meeting documentation
The ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior leaders
Strong analytical skills and sound judgement
Good understanding of the machinery of government
Experience designing and maintaining governance tools, templates and systems
Demonstrated integrity, respect and commitment to public sector values including Te Tiriti o Wairangi
A collaborative approach to working across teams and with external stakeholders.
Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements
This Senior Governance Advisor is set at Individual Contributor level this means your key purpose is “to deliver or (enable others to deliver) Our Business” and is open to all existing Police staff members.
**For both Constabulary & Police Employees**:
Agree to enrol in a leadership programme at the advertised level, at a future date or
A relevant tertiary-level qualification in a field relevant to the position or demonstrated experience (e.g., public policy, law, business)
There may be an occasional requirement to travel to Districts and Service Centres.
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To be eligible for this role, you may be asked to obtain and maintain either a CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET national security clearance.
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Mo tātou | About us
New Zealand Police delivers services that ensure communities are safe and feel secure, with less crime, road trauma and fewer