Biodiversity Strategy and Assurance Manager

• Align and integrate key programmes and strategies across DOC

• Build and lead an inclusive, high-performing team with clear accountability

• Wellington CBD location

• Full-time, permanent position.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa.

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Ready to lead change that matters? Join the Department of Conservation (DOC) and play a pivotal role in protecting and restoring nature across Aotearoa.

The Biodiversity National Programmes Directorate leads DOC's most ambitious work to protect and restore nature at scale. We coordinate national programmes that tackle the country's toughest conservation challenges – from delivering Predator Free 2050 and protecting 1.8 million hectares of conservation land through predator control, to managing deer, tahr, and goat impacts, preparing for the world-class Maukahuka / Auckland Island pest eradication, and safeguarding kauri through our Kauri Protection Programme.

Our work blends science, innovation, and partnerships with iwi, communities, councils, and NGOs to achieve results that matter for Aotearoa's biodiversity.

This is your opportunity to provide critical oversight and leadership across DOC's National Programmes Directorate.

He angitūtanga | About the role

We are looking for an experienced leader to head our Strategy and Assurance team within the National Programmes Directorate. This pivotal role provides functional leadership and strategic oversight across a diverse portfolio of work, managing complexity, mitigating risks, and ensuring strategic alignment across multiple high-profile workstreams.

You will lead the delivery of cross-directorate strategic integration, programme assurance, and planning and reporting processes. A key part of this role is providing high-quality strategic advice to the Director and senior leaders on national biodiversity priorities, leading engagement with central agencies, managing Ministerial advice and communications, and ensuring DOC's work supports the implementation of the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) and the Predator Free 2050 Strategy.

In this role you will:

• Lead the Strategy and Assurance team to integrate programmes, strategies and contract functions.

• Provide strategic support to the National Programmes Director and ensure alignment across the Directorate.

• Drive strategic connections across DOC to align key programmes and foster innovation.

• Oversee risk management, opportunity identification, and environmental scanning.

• Lead strategy development, implementation planning, and performance reporting processes.

• Manage Ministerial and OIA communications and contribute to internal and external storytelling.

• Ensure robust programme assurance for planning, delivery, and reporting, including governance and contract management.

• Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive team with clear expectations and capability development.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You'll be an experienced people leader with strong strategic thinking and experience leading large, complex programmes of work. You thrive operating in complex environments across multiple workstreams.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in strategic leadership and programme assurance for complex systems.

• Strong background in risk management and strategy development.

• Expertise in engagement at Minister-level and providing governance and process oversight.

• Ability to lead diverse teams and influence senior stakeholders.

• Exceptional analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Experience in conservation or environmental management is an advantage.

• Understanding of Te Ao Māori and commitment to Treaty partnership.

Click here for the position description.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $185,000 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 19 January 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Annie Colebrook