Programme Implementation Director at Candidate Experience Site - Department of Internal Affairs

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Jul, 26

Salary

181891.0

Posted On

20 Apr, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Programme management, Operational service design, Government governance, Risk management, Stakeholder engagement, Regulatory regime implementation, Policy alignment, Strategic leadership, Public sector experience, Digital safety, Reporting, Accountability frameworks, Change management, Communication, Decision-making

Industry

Government Relations Services

Description

About Us | Mō mātou The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is leading the establishment of new Government restrictions on access to social media for those under 16 years old. This is a high‑profile, time‑critical programme that will shape how Aotearoa New Zealand protects children and young people online. We are seeking an experienced Programme Implementation Director to lead the design and early delivery of the Phase One operational model for this new regulatory regime. This role sits within Digital Safety and Identity Investigations (DSII) and reports to the General Manager, Digital Safety and Identity Investigations. The role | Te tūnga This role leads the establishment of the Phase One operational service model for the under‑16 social media restrictions. It involves shaping how the service will function in practice and ensuring it can be delivered effectively within the required timeframes. This will include setting up robust programme governance, planning, risk management, reporting, and assurance frameworks ensuring strong oversight, clear accountabilities, and timely escalation of issues. You will coordinate activity across policy, legal, technical, and operational workstreams ensuring advice and delivery are aligned and mutually reinforcing. You will lead early engagement with social media providers and other key stakeholders to support readiness, cooperation, and shared understanding of regulatory expectations. The role provides high‑quality reporting and advice to Ministers and senior executives, supporting informed decision‑making in a high‑profile and evolving policy environment. This is a hands‑on leadership role that demands sound judgement, pace, and the ability to operate confidently in conditions of ambiguity and public scrutiny. What you bring | Nōu te rourou * Proven experience leading large‑scale or complex implementation programmes, ideally in a public sector or regulatory context * Strong understanding of government machinery, governance, and accountability * Experience working across policy, operational delivery, legal and technical domains * The ability to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders, Ministers, and external partners * A calm, pragmatic leadership style with a strong delivery focus * Experience in digital safety, online harm, or youth‑focused regulatory environments is desirable but not essential. For you | Mōu At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/ [https://www.dia.govt.nz/] Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz [https://www.dia.govt.nz/About-Internal-Affairs---Careers-with-us---Benefits] The appointing range for this role is $163,432 - $181,891. To review the full job description, please click here. [https://www.dia.govt.nz/job-description/RIS-JD-Programme-Implementation-Director-April-2026-Final/$file/RIS-JD-Programme-Implementation-Director-April-2026-Final.pdf] How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application. We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you. Applications for this role close Friday 1st May 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. If you have any questions, please email Gemma.Kirkwood-Chambers@dia.govt.nz [Gemma.Kirkwood-Chambers@dia.govt.nz]

Responsibilities

The Programme Implementation Director will lead the design and early delivery of the operational service model for new social media restrictions for those under 16. This involves coordinating across policy, legal, and technical workstreams while providing high-quality advice to Ministers and senior executives.