Chief Advisor

• Are you a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, and relationship-builder who thrives in complexity?

• Do you want to play a pivotal role in shaping DOC's mahi and supporting outcomes?

• Fixed term/Secondment until February 2027. Wellington location.

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.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

In this role, you will provide critical support to the Deputy Director-General (DD-G), Organisation Support and help lead the Group with clarity, purpose, and impact.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can see the big picture, connect complex work programmes, exercise sound judgment in fast-moving situations, and ensure the DD-G is well-informed and prepared to lead effectively.

As a member of the Group leadership team, you will also help shape priorities and drive critical outcomes across the organisation.

In this role, you will:

• Provide high-quality advice to the DD-G on strategic, organisational, and operational matters, while maintaining oversight of work programmes, risks, and interdependencies.

• Lead or support key projects, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen systems and processes.

• Build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, and external partners, uphold Treaty obligations, and represent DOC in external forums to advance shared outcomes.

• Develop long-term plans, set priorities with senior leaders, and monitor performance to identify risks and provide actionable insights.

• Act as a trusted advisor, represent the DD-G, and foster cross-functional collaboration and organisational leadership across DOC.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will bring strong strategic, analytical, and leadership capability, along with the ability to navigate a complex, multi-layered environment. You thrive on building trusted relationships and moving towards challenges with openness and agility.

We are looking for someone with:

• Proven experience delivering results in a complex organisation.

• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and issues management expertise.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated cultural capability, including understanding of te ao Māori, te reo and tikanga, and the Māori–Crown relationship.

• Proven ability to plan and deliver complex programmes of work.

• Experience in strategic planning, project oversight, and risk management.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

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

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan

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

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 18 December 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor