Senior Advisor, Systemic Improvement Monitoring and Resolution

**Mo te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata - About the Ombudsman**: The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all. **Mo to matou tira - About our team**: The Systemic Improvement Monitoring and Resolution (SIMR) team provides advice on identified trends and opportunities for systemic improvement via internal and external monitoring. The team develops and maintains robust systems to identify issues, assess options for intervention, and seek resolution where possible to contribute to meaningful change in public sector administration. The team also monitors agency engagement with the Chief Ombudsman's recommendations. **Mo te turanga - About the role**: Join the SIMR team alongside four Senior Advisors and Principal Advisor. Based in our Wellington office, the role of Senior Advisor Systemic Improvement Monitoring and Resolution is varied and exciting; monitoring issues across the entire public sector. The Senior Advisor will, as part of the Systemic Improvement, Monitoring and Resolution team, use their knowledge of the public sector to help identify opportunities for administrative improvement, define the problem using their highly developed critical analysis conceptual and problem-solving skills, and make recommendations for the most appropriate intervention to address the issue. The Senior Advisor will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating agency responses to recommendations from Systemic Investigations. You will be a champion at building internal and external relationships and connecting across the organisation, making sense of data and looking for opportunities for improvements. You will have experience in a policy role and it would be beneficial if you worked across different agencies or sectors. **He korero mou - About you**: To be successful in this role you will have: - A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public policy, public or administrative law, or a related discipline. - A critical thinker with analytical rigour who can see things from a range of perspectives. - Good understanding of current New Zealand public sector practice, the context in which public sector agencies operate, and the challenges they face. - Sound knowledge of the machinery of government, legislative process and the policy development process. - Highly developed and detailed understanding of, and practical experience in, strategic policy advice, analysis, review, development and implementation. - Experience of undertaking proactive monitoring and analysis, in-depth resolution with stakeholders and other interventions in respect of complex systemic issues. - Common sense and sound, practical judgement. - Experience with using kaupapa Maori approaches for research and analysis (advantage). - Experience in working within a team-oriented, collaborative environment with regular feedback. - Proven research skills, and analytical and problem solving abilities. - Exceptional written and oral communication skills. - High levels of resilience to work with sensitive material. **Te painga o te mahi tahi me matou - Our benefits, what we offer**: - Be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued. - Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team. - Flexible working options - Competitive remuneration - Three extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment - Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees - Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year - Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to professional support **Me pehea te tono - How to apply**: As the Ombudsman's role is to provide "fairness for all" New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent all of New Zealanders. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life. Please note we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role. Depending on skills and experience the starting salary is expected to be between $108,181 and $141,987, with $135,226 being the midpoint. Applications close **5pm, 24 August 2025