Senior Advisor Governance

Are you curious to learn the mechanics of the Customs Executive Board and how Customs operates at an executive level?

Are you a person who gets things done and an active listener who can capture and accurately record key points?

We have an exciting opportunity on offer for a Senior Advisor Governance. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, International and Governance, this is a full-time permanent role based in our Wellington Customhouse.

**Purpose of this position**:
The primary purpose of this role is to provide high-quality governance support and advice to the Comptroller of Customs and the Customs Executive Board (CEB). This includes supporting the Comptroller and Deputy Chief Executives in chairing CEB committees to assist in the stewardship and leadership of the New Zealand Customs Service.

**About the role**:
This is a dynamic and influential role that places you at the centre of Customs' governance operations. You will work closely with the Customs Executive Board (CEB), senior leadership, and other governance bodies to ensure effective decision-making and strategic alignment. You will be responsible for preparing documentation for CEB committees, managing action items, and providing high-level analytical advice on emerging issues and risks.

You will undertake secretariat duties for key committees, including the Assurance and Risk Committee, and support the development of forward agendas aligned with Customs’ strategic priorities. You will also lead initiatives to improve governance understanding across the organisation and periodically review governance processes and documentation to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

This role requires you to proactively identify opportunities to connect business groups around agenda items, provide clarity on governance papers, and offer advice on matters that may impact resource allocation or prioritisation. You will work collaboratively with senior leaders and presenters to ensure papers are well-framed and provide a sound basis for decision-making.

You may also be called upon to support other executive boards and sector leadership groups, contributing to a broader governance framework within Customs. In addition, you will contribute to the development of policies, templates, and systems that enhance governance performance, and provide support to the Deputy Chief Executive International & Governance on strategic initiatives and ad-hoc projects.

This role demands discretion, confidence, and the ability to manage sensitive issues with integrity. You will be expected to build strong relationships across the organisation, demonstrate cultural competency including the appropriate use of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga, and actively contribute to a safe and inclusive workplace.

**What we offer**:
If successful, you will gain exposure to how the Service manages financial pressures, develops budget initiatives, tracks performance, and adapts to opportunities and risks. You’ll be supported to operate in a fast-paced, agile environment and develop a specialised governance skill set. This opportunity will also allow you to observe and learn from how different CEB members run governance meetings, building valuable experience for your career.

**Working for NZ Customs**:
To join Customs in any role you must be a **New Zealand citizen** or **New Zealand permanent resident** and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance along with being able to obtain and maintain security clearance to **‘Secret’** level.

**OR**

Because of the nature of Customs’ work you must have a clear Police record. Organisational security clearances are mandatory and are conducted by Customs. You will also be required to pass a drug test.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level.

**How to apply**:
**Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.**

**Job details**:

- Reference #- 46629- Posted on- 13 Nov 2025- Closes on- 26 Nov 2025- Location(s)- Wellington- Expertise- Assurance/Audit, Information Sharing and Privacy- Job level(s)- Experienced- Work type(s)- Permanent Full Time-
- Additional attachment