Senior Advisor, Protected Disclosures

at  NZ Ombudsman

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman
The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.
Mō tō mātou tira – About the team
This is a recently-established team to support the growth of the Ombudsman’s work, with a specific focus on providing advice and guidance about the PDA and responding to disclosures of serious wrongdoing. The Protected Disclosures team work collaboratively within the group and with key staff across the office to undertake the protected disclosures function.
Mō te tūranga - About the role
The focus will be on provision of advice and guidance to both potential disclosers and organisations about the PDA, responding to and investigating protected disclosures about serious wrongdoing, and reviewing the management of protected disclosures by organisations.
The role is fixed term until June 2025.
He kōrero mōu – About you

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in law or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of the Ombudsmen in contemporary society.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of the Ombudsmen’s jurisdiction and operating legislation.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting advice tailored to different stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrated experience in speaking with a variety of stakeholders, including stakeholders who may be distressed.
• In-depth understanding and experience of investigation practice and natural justice in a legal environment, in particular in relation to highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong understanding of the context in which public and private sector organisations and NGOs operate, and the challenges they face.
• Understanding of Māori, disability and other cultural and human rights concepts, including the Treaty of Waitangi and equal employment opportunities
• Excellent communication skills alongside great interpersonal skills and analytical thinking.
  Please note that there might be occasional travel required.
  Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer

Become part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Two extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and professional support programmes

Me pēhea e tono - How to apply
To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email recruitment@ombudsman.parliament.nz.
The Office of the Ombudsman encourages and supports all our workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The current position of the Office however, does not require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of this role. Please note that the Office may, if a risk assessment identifies the need, introduce a vaccination requirement for managing an epidemic.
All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.
Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $100,612 - $135,882 with $125,765 being the midpoint.
Applications clsoe 5pm, 2 June 2024