Chief Advisor

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand

Chief Advisor – Sector Insights

Ātea ā Rangi – Strategy, Sector Insights Group, National Office

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We are looking for a strategic leader who is passionate about shaping system-level outcomes through insight, evidence and influence. In Sector Insights, we use evidence insight and advice to inform decision-making across the justice sector and support better outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Your role as Chief Advisor is to operate as a trusted partner to senior leaders, providing authoritative, future-focused advice that shapes how the Ministry responds to complex, cross-system challenges. You will connect insight, strategy and delivery — not just identifying what is happening, but influencing what should happen next.

As Chief Advisor – Sector Insights, You Are Responsible For

Providing high-quality, system-wide strategic advice to senior leaders, grounded in rigorous analysis and future-focused thinking
Identifying and framing cross-agency and whole-of-system issues, shaping enterprise priorities and strategic direction
Leading horizon scanning and foresight to identify emerging system risks, opportunities and long-term trends
Acting as a strategic connector across the Ministry and justice sector to ensure insights drive coherent and aligned system responses
Influencing decision-making by shaping strategic narratives, priorities and pathways for system improvement
Leading and guiding system-level initiatives to translate insight into meaningful, system-impacting interventions
Building high-trust relationships with sector leaders, iwi and cross-government partners to support shared understanding and action

This is a highly influential role where your thinking will directly shape how the justice system evolves, connecting insight with action to deliver long-term impact.

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

You will thrive in complexity, bringing clarity and direction in ambiguous environments. You will be confident operating at senior levels, with the credibility and influence to shape system-level thinking and decisions.

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Have

Must-haves

Proven experience working with senior leaders in large, complex organisations and providing high-quality strategic or policy advice
Demonstrated intellectual leadership and ability to influence and build trusted relationships across government, iwi and key stakeholders
Strong understanding of public sector systems, accountability frameworks and performance-informed decision-making
Proven ability to apply data, evidence and insight to inform decisions and improve outcomes at enterprise or system level
Advanced critical thinking and judgement, with the ability to navigate complex issues, risks and trade-offs
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex system insights into clear, compelling advice

Nice to have

Experience leading or influencing cross-agency or system-wide initiatives
Experience leading system level modelling and advanced analytics projects to inform strategic decision-making

Personal attributes

Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to operate effectively in changing and uncertain environments
Collaborative and interested in understanding others context

Mō Mātou/About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we are committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our work spans the justice system, and we play a key role in shaping a system that is fair, accessible and effective.

Ātea ā Rangi – Strategy leads the Ministry's strategic direction, planning and performance. We combine data, evidence and insights to inform decision-making, drive enterprise performance and deliver better justice outcomes for New Zealanders.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

A role at the centre of system leadership and strategy
Opportunity to influence decisions that shape long-term justice outcomes
A collaborative, high-performing team focused on insight, impact and continuous improvement
A workplace that values diversity, inclusion and wellbeing

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $149,972 to $193,782 and remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining:

Your relevant capability and experience
Your motivation for applying and how you will add value
Your development focus and how you will grow in the roll

Applications close on 02 July ; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact ***email_hidden***