Principal Advisor Risk

• Key leadership role within our Risk and Internal Assurance team
• Opportunity to make an impact during a period of transformation
• Join us in shaping a strong risk culture that supports better outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

Mō mātou | About us

At Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, tamariki and rangatahi are at the heart of everything we do. Our values guide us every day:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to ensure tamariki grow up in loving whānau and communities where they can thrive. By acting early and showing care, we give children the best chance to become happy, thriving New Zealanders.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Reporting to the Director Risk and Internal Assurance, you'll work closely with the Risk and Assurance team and senior leaders to embed robust risk practices that enable informed decision-making.

This is a second line of defence role, responsible for being the technical leader of the risk function and providing expert advice, developing frameworks, and leading initiatives that set clear expectations for risk management across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and maintenance of risk management frameworks and tools
• Facilitating risk identification, analysis, monitoring, and reporting
• Driving the progress of Oranga Tamariki's Risk Appetite
• Providing high-quality advice and insights to senior leaders and governance committees
• Designing and delivering risk management training to uplift organisational capability

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We're looking for someone who is passionate about risk management and can influence at all levels. You will bring:

• Significant experience in risk management at a senior level
• Strong knowledge of risk management standards, frameworks, and tools
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• An appreciation of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' cultures, and the ability to work effectively in a diverse environment

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

A competitive remuneration package: Band 18 starting from $125,926 to $139,459, with annual progression based on tenure

• Flexible working arrangements by default
• A vibrant, supportive team and a genuine commitment to your wellbeing
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• The chance to make a real difference for tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa

We welcome applications from candidates seeking less than 40 hours per week—please outline your preference in your cover letter.

Join us and apply your expertise to help shape a safer, stronger future for tamariki.

Interested? Let's talk.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. We're happy to have a confidential chat about the role and what it involves before you apply. Emma Hine - Director Risk and Internal Assurance

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and to and what you bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on Wednesday 14th January 2026

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.