We are currently seeking an awesome person to support our Māori Report team. The work is fast-paced, with no day ever being the same.

This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation that is passionate about making a difference. Our vision is to provide recommendations that we hope the government will use to transform the way we, as a nation, care for children, young people and vulnerable adults in State and faith-based care.

The Principal Advisor, Policy and Research ensures the provision of high-quality research and evidence-based analysis, insights and advice to support the work of the Inquiry. The Principal Advisor will provide strategic input to the planning, execution and reporting associated with the policy and research work programme and will work in a collaborative manner across all inquiry directorates in order to deliver joined-up advice to Commissioners.

The Principal Advisor, Policy and Research responsibilities include the following:

Contribute to and actively promote the Royal Commission's purpose, strategy and work programme, actively seeking out opportunities to influence and shape the content of our strategy and work programme

Provide policy advice and support to the wider policy and research unit

Role model and coach others on our values and behavioral competencies to build our desired culture

Scope, plan and drive change within your portfolio (or discipline)

Demonstrate collaborative leadership across the organisation to contribute to ensuring 'one organisation' to maximise multidisciplinary team performance

Apply sound operational management practices, actively sharing

Promoting and contributing to the Royal Commission's standards and best practice ways of working

Provide intellectual/thought leadership by bringing advice and ideas for your portfolio (discipline) leading achievement of these relevant goals and outcomes for the Royal Commission

Apply a Te Tiriti o Waitangi approach to the Royal Commission's work

Build and maintain highly credible and values professional relationships and networks, internally and externally, to understand and influence the needs and perspectives of others

Develop and maintain an understanding of the current and future needs of Survivors and their whānau and stakeholders needs and priorities, contributing to the Royal Commission's strategic choices to shape the nature of our interim reports and final report.

Work collaboratively across the Royal Commission and with stakeholders to ensure analysis, advice and insights are informed by the full extent of work undertaken.

Skills and experiences:

The key skills and experience we are looking for include the following (but not limited to):

Relevant qualification or experience

Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues and concerns

Knowledge of Te Reo Māori and tikanga would be advantageous

Strong demonstrable knowledge of and/or experience in the role of the public service, the machinery of government and the independent role of a Royal Commission

Well-developed written and oral communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain successful relationships both within the Royal Commission and externally, including understanding survivor and their whānau needs and aspiration, stakeholder motivations and the ability to influence and persuade

Effective planning and organisation skills, including time management and prioritising in a results-focused environment

Demonstrated understanding of and experience working in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Good understanding of human rights issues both domestic and international would be advantageous

Have experience in policy and applied research experience ideally related to issues and themes relevant to State, Faith-based settings, Māori, Pacific people's or deaf and disabled people's care settings would be advantageous

Ideally have in-depth knowledge of Ministerial and Cabinet processes, statutory decision making

About us

The Royal Commission is investigating the abuse and neglect of people in State and faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999. We will make recommendations to the Governor-General in 2023 on how New Zealand can better care for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We celebrate and value diversity of thought, experience and skills in our workplace. We welcome enquiries from all people, including all ethnicities (Māori, Pacific People and ethnic communities), LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.

We look for talented and unique people. Everyone is welcome - we are committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including diversity in age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, religious or ethical beliefs, political opinion or union affiliation and perspective. We want all employees to have access to equal employment opportunities, and we are committed to make our environment accessible, including facilities, information and IT. Our employees feel empowered to share their experience and ideas. We want everyone, from any background, to be able to do their best work and be encouraged to bring their whole selves to the job.

We welcome applications from disabled people, including people with mental, psychological, or social disabilities, and we can make reasonable accommodations