Senior Policy Advisor

• Advance your policy career by leading interesting work in a supportive team
• Grow your policy skills working on interesting, challenging work that matters for children and young people
• Work in a vibrant and supportive team, with flexible work options and a genuine commitment to your wellbeing

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

Policy work at Oranga Tamariki is wide and varied, giving you ample opportunity to develop your career pathway and learn new skills. Our smaller policy shop gives you greater exposure to a wide range of work. We have multiple roles available.

We have an ambitious legislative and policy work programme to lift performance across the youth justice and care and protection system. You can help make a difference in the wake of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Dame Karen Poutasi review.

Collaboration is central to who we are. We listen to children, young people, families, and whānau, and work with key partners, including Māori, Pacific and disability communities, to shape evidence-based, impactful policy. Great teamwork is how we operate.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the Senior Advisor role include:

• Highly developed analytical, critical thinking and communication skills and ability to produce quality policy work quickly
• Coach and mentor others, while being a compassionate and collaborative team member
• Understanding the circumstances and issues facing Māori in the communities we work with
• Appreciation of cross-cultural practices, in particular knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' culture
• Be enthusiastic with a can-do attitude
• Experience in central government policy
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline
• Wellington-based. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate for this opportunity.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers competitive salaries and progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependent on experience. We work flexibly and have genuine support for wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and work respectfully. This is your opportunity to apply your skills to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

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

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and cover letter. 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 role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

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.