Job DescriptionPrincipal AdvisorJustice Sector DirectorateHoused in Ministry of Justice National OfficeSalary Range - $129,129 – $179,192Te Haeata/The OpportunityDo you want to be at the centre of change in Aotearoa New Zealand's justice system? Are you drawn to the opportunity and challenge of getting justice sector organisations to work together to deliver better outcomes?We need Principal Advisors who thrive in complexity – people who can make things happen, influence senior leaders, cut through resistance, and deliver the meaningful change the justice sector needs.This is an exciting and high-profile role within the Justice Sector Directorate, working across six justice agencies to drive and deliver improved justice sector performance.In this role you will:
Identify what needs to be done to support agencies to work together to improve sector performance, and do what it takes to make that happen
Use your relationship and influencing skills to bring people, resources and workstreams together
Provide advice, in collaboration with agency colleagues, on what matters for improving justice sector performance including change prioritisation, investment trade-offs, aligning work programmes, and monitoring and reporting on progress
Communicate performance, risks and opportunities across the sector and to the
in clear and compelling ways. * Play a key role in connecting agencies and sector partners to ensure work is joined up, accountable, and delivering results.Mō mātou/About usAt Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.The Justice Sector Directorate supports the justice sector in whatever way is needed to deliver outcomes. This includes providing strategic advice and support to the Justice Sector Leadership Board (JSLB) and other governance groups, leading or supporting cross-sector work, and helping ensure effective use of funding across the sector.The work is dynamic, and no two weeks are the same. The Directorate reports directly to the Justice Sector Leadership Board, giving our team unique position and direct access to senior leaders across the six justice sector agencies. As the Secretary for Justice chairs the JSLB, the Directorate is housed in the Ministry of Justice. This perspective enables us to support, enable, challenge and connect agencies to maximise and speed up the delivery of better outcomes for all New Zealanders.The JSLB provides collective leadership of the justice sector, coordinating major change programmes and overseeing planning to improve services, reduce harm and the number of people in the criminal justice system, maintain institutions and manage investment.The members of the JSLB are:
Secretary for Justice (Chair)
Commissioner, New Zealand Police.
Chief Executive, Department of Corrections.
Chief Executive, Oranga Tamariki.
Chief Executive, Serious Fraud Office.
Solicitor-General, Crown Law Office.
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.Ō pūkenga/Skills and ExperienceYou will work within the Directorate team to lead and deliver the ambitious work programme of the JSLB. This position drives areas of focus for improving overall justice sector performance and prioritises actions that produce results.We are looking for people with:
Proven experience leading high-impact policy or programme initiatives to successful completion, proactively driving activity from planning through to execution.
Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the confidence and ability to engage senior stakeholders on nuanced and challenging topics.
Political and organisational savvy, with the ability to navigate resistance and maintain momentum in cross-agency environments.
Experience working with a broad range of analytical frameworks and turning complex information into clear, actionable advice.
Experience supporting and advising senior leaders such as Ministers and Chief Executives.
Ability to see and convey the big picture whilst sequencing practical steps to achieve change.
Experience mentoring and developing colleagues to lift capability across a team.
Strong communication and report writing abilities.
Comfort working in ambiguity, with the ability to cut through complexity and find pragmatic solutions.
Resilience and adaptability to thrive in high-pressure environments.
A deep commitment to and evidence of putting the Treaty of Waitangi at the centre of decision-making.
An understanding of the justice sector and experience working in cross-agency settings (desirable but not essential).
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working hereOur team can offer the opportunity to:
Experience a ‘whole of sector' view of the work being undertaken by the thousands of people within it.
Be in the centre of the action with access to senior leaders and decision-makers.
Join a team that values delivery, agility and collaboration – able to duck and weave in any situation to maximise positive outcomes.
Work with smart, dynamic, and diverse colleagues passionate about making change happen.
Be in an environment where wellbeing is a priority and everyone is encouraged to support each other to deliver at work while maintaining a good work-life balance.
Tono mai/ApplyTo apply, click the button below. You'll be directed to our Careers Website. Once there please complete the online application, this includes submitting your CV and cover letter.For any queries, or if you would like to discuss the role further, please emailApplications close Wednesday 17 September 2025You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply.
