Principal Advisor Commissioning

• Help shape the future of community-led service delivery
• Must be strategic and operationally focused
• Fixed term opportunity based in our National Office until 30th March 2027

This role sits at the centre of strategy, planning, investment, service design, contracting and implementation. You will work across government, iwi, Māori organisations, NGOs, and community partners to ensure services are designed, commissioned and monitored to achieve meaningful impact

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

The Enabling Communities programme was established to test and prototype opportunities to shift decision making and resources closer to Māori and communities - in other words, the testing of decentralisation. Partners lead the development, design, implementation and evaluation of their prototypes while the role of Oranga Tamariki is to enable and implement the changes needed internally to support the delivery and evaluation of partner prototypes.

We are seeking a strategic and operationally focused Principal Advisor - Commissioning to help shape the future of community-led service delivery. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of transformational change, supporting partners and the organisation to identify and implement commissioning practices that support current partner prototypes as well as future decentralisation efforts.

In addition to the technical skills of the role, the successful candidate needs to be confident and experienced engaging in te ao Māori and have a strong grasp of te ao Māori concepts. Experience with the development of investment planning, service procurement and contracting, commissioning frameworks, supporting staff and partners to build commissioning capability, and confidence in preparing and presenting information to leaders and ministerial audiences is important for this role.

The Enabling Communities team are a passionate, driven group of people who want to create long term system change. You will love this team and this kaupapa if you have a sense of humour, are resilient, and can stay focused on the goal regardless of the choppy seas we sometimes need to navigate.

This role is based in our Wellington office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Wellington or be willing to relocate for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with operational delivery excellence.

Key requirements of the role include:

• Extensive commissioning experience, ideally within social services, public sector, or community-focused environments.
• Strong experience developing and managing contracts and commissioning arrangements with NGOs and community providers.
• Demonstrated expertise in commissioning design, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement.
• Highly developed critical thinking and analytical skills, paired with solid verbal and written communication abilities, and the willingness to challenge assumptions and identify innovative solutions.
• Proven ability to bridge strategy and business ideas into practical actions and measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional practice planning, programme tracking and delivery management capability.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex workstreams.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Deep understanding of commissioning policy, investment decisions and service delivery models.
• A genuine appreciation for te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• Cultural competence and the credibility to be recognised as a culturally responsive commissioning expert.
• The ability to thrive in ambiguity while maintaining a strong focus on outcomes and delivery.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. A strong cover letter should complement your CV by telling a compelling story about why you're the right fit for the role, why you want the role, why Oranga Tamariki and what you bring.

If you have any questions about role, please contact [email protected]

Applications for this role close at midnight on Wednesday 23rd September 2026

We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

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.