Chief Advisor to the Chief Executive

The most effective Chief Executives are rarely successful alone. They are supported by people who bring perspective, sound judgement and the ability to make sense of complexity when the path forward is not always clear.

At Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa, we're seeking an exceptional strategic advisor to join us as Chief Advisor to the Chief Executive.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, Governance & Integrity, this newly established role has been created to provide dedicated strategic support to the Chief Executive at a time of increasing organisational complexity.

You'll work at the centre of organisational decision-making, supporting our Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team on some of the organisation's most complex, sensitive and strategically important issues. Success will come from your ability to quickly understand emerging issues, identify risks and opportunities, and provide advice that is thoughtful, practical and actionable.

This role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys solving complex problems and can influence outcomes through credibility, judgement and strong relationships rather than formal authority.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role sits at the intersection of some of the most important decisions, relationships and challenges facing Stats NZ. One day you may be advising on a complex organisational issue, the next supporting a significant cross-government initiative, responding to an emerging risk, or helping senior leaders align around a critical decision. The pace is fast, the issues are varied, and the quality of your advice will often influence decisions with organisation-wide implications.

A key part of the role will be helping our Chief Executive navigate ambiguity, competing priorities and emerging issues. You'll work across organisational and sector boundaries, engaging seamlessly with senior leaders, Ministers' Offices, central agencies and external partners to build understanding, align effort and support effective decision-making on matters that often carry significant organisational, public or reputational implications.

You'll also provide an important line of sight across organisational priorities, helping identify risks, interdependencies and opportunities that may otherwise go unseen. Working closely with senior leaders, you'll help ensure key issues are well coordinated, advice is robust, and decisions are informed by a whole-of-organisation and wider public service perspective.

This is a role for someone who enjoys operating where pace, influence and complexity intersect. You'll be energised by variety, comfortable working in ambiguity, and motivated by the opportunity to shape outcomes through advice, judgement and relationships.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We're looking for a highly credible advisor who is comfortable navigating uncertainty, competing priorities and the realities of a fast-moving public sector environment.

You'll bring:

• A track record of providing trusted advice to senior executives on issues that matter most, with the ability to quickly understand complex situations and support sound decision-making on high-profile or sensitive matters.

• Exceptional judgement and organisational awareness, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues, identify risks and opportunities early, and help leaders stay ahead of challenges.

• A strong understanding of the machinery of government, including Ministerial, Cabinet and public sector processes, combined with the credibility to work effectively with Chief Executives, Ministers' Offices, central agencies and senior leaders.

• The ability to perform under pressure, maintaining sound judgement, resilience and attention to quality while managing multiple priorities and often competing demands.

• Authentic and influential leadership, demonstrated through integrity, discretion, intellectual curiosity and the confidence to provide candid advice, challenge constructively and influence outcomes through relationships rather than authority.

Experience supporting Chief Executives, Executive Leadership Teams, Ministers, Boards or senior decision-makers within complex public sector environments will be highly valued.

Mō mātou | About us

Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa occupies a unique position within New Zealand's public sector.

We provide the trusted data and insights that help New Zealanders understand the social, economic and environmental factors shaping our country. As Government Chief Data Steward, we also play a central role in leading and stewarding New Zealand's wider data and statistical system.

The Chief Advisor role sits at the heart of that environment, working alongside the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team on issues that shape organisational direction, influence outcomes across the public service and support better outcomes for New Zealanders.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

If you're motivated by complex challenges, thrive in fast-paced environments and are looking for an opportunity to work alongside a Chief Executive on issues that shape organisational direction, we'd love to hear from you.

We review applications as they're received and may begin engaging with suitable candidates before the closing date.

We're committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience. If there are adjustments we can make to support your participation in the process, please let us know. For any questions, please contact [email protected]

Please note: we will not be accepting unsolicited CVs from Recruitment Agencies for this role.

Applications close Tuesday 20th October, 2026