Senior Advisor Design and Policy

• Opportunity to contribute to the Frontline Technology System Upgrade
• Secondment role for six months
• Flexible Location

Mo te tunga | About the role

We are looking for a highly capable Senior Advisor with social work practice and policy expertise to join our Practice Enablers team In this role you will leverage your experience and skills to evaluate and develop operational policy and social work practice content to ensure it is ready for our Frontline Technology Systems Upgrade (FTSU).

As the Senior Advisor Design and Policy, you will provide specialised advice in practice design and policy enhancement. This includes:

• leading the design and development of major practice areas, conduct analysis, and provide expert advice on practice policy that will support the development of system tools.
• evaluating practice processes to identify and design improvement opportunities
• assessing practice processes and standards to design and enhance frameworks, models, and tools to ensure these align to best practise.

This 6-month fixed term role supports our preparation for the Frontline Technology Systems Upgrade (FTSU) programme. The primary focus of FTSU is to replace legacy case management systems that support our work (youth justice, adoptions, care and protection, residences and community homes).

The work will involve collaboration across the Chief Social Worker and Professional Practice group and with stakeholders across the organisation in the development of practice content and policies. In addition, the Senior Advisor Design and Policy represents the team in internal and cross agency initiatives and working groups.

In this role, there is flexibility to work remotely from an OT location around New Zealand.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring

We are particularly interested in people with strengths and experience in these areas:

• Highly developed written, analytical, review and advisory skills,
• Proven experience designing and writing operational policy, social work practice content and/or business processes that are fit for purpose and easily understood by operational teams and/or external stakeholders,
• Experience evaluating existing practice policies and practice content to identify and recommend improvement areas,
• Demonstrated background in roles with a particular focus on enhancing the quality of services and practices for tamariki and their wh nau,
• Good working knowledge of the operational policy development and implementation process,
• Experience in a public sector organisation in a role requiring consultation, communication, and relationship management skills,
• Understanding and commitment to professional practice that is drawn from Te Ao M ori principles of oranga and an appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga M ori, and Pacific peoples' culture,
• Exceptional prioritisation and organisation skills; a keen eye for detail with proven ability to work to deadlines,
• A tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience is essential. The qualification may come from a number of different fields of study, including social work (desirable) or other human sciences.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Our Secondment Policy will be adhered to when determining remuneration.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Please note this role is only open to internal applicants, please apply using your Oranga Tamariki email login. If you have any questions about role, or would like to review the position description please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on 12th November 2025.