Principal Advisor Assurance

Duration: 8 months

Location: Wellington

Start Date: February 2026

• Key leadership role within our Risk and Internal Assurance team
• Opportunity to make an impact during a period of transformation
• Work at the heart of the organisation, supporting senior leadership to build assurance capability and provide Internal Audit services

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• 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

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga| About the role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor Assurance to join our Risk and Internal Assurance team for an 8-month fixed-term parental leave cover.

Reporting to the Director Risk and Internal Assurance, you will:

• Provide high-quality technical advice and internal audit outputs to senior leaders.
• Help shape and deliver a risk-based internal audit and assurance plan aligned to organisational priorities.
• Support the Director in developing and executing enterprise-wide assurance services.
• Prepare reporting for internal governance groups, including the independent Risk and Assurance Committee.
• Mentor and coach team members, building capability within the Internal Audit and Assurance function.
• Deputise for the Director when required.

This is a chance to step into a leadership role, influence organisational change, and strengthen assurance practices during a critical period.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in internal audit at a senior level.
• Strong ability to assess risk and controls, and deliver pragmatic, high-quality reporting.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the "big picture" while driving practical solutions.
• Excellent relationship management skills across diverse stakeholders.
• An understanding of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultures, and a commitment to working in partnership.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 dependant on experience. 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

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 -

Apply now and help us strengthen assurance at the heart of Oranga Tamariki.

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 how to apply or the process, please contact

Hurry as applications for this role close at 5pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2025

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.