Deputy Director Te Kura Kaiwhakawa Pacific Justice Sector Programme | Wellington City

Job Description

Fulltime opportunity based in Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington, Central 

Kia ora, Kia orana, Tālofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Noa'ia, Halo wantoks, Kaselehila, Ekamawir omo, Yokwe, Apinum, and warm Pacific greetings.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

The Director of the Pacific Justice Sector Programme (PJSP) is seeking a collaborative, Pasifika- focused leader with senior experience to play a key role supporting the Director to lead an exciting and innovative Pacific-led programme, and to support the progression of a business case process for the next planned iteration of the programme.

The PJSP is a multi-jurisdictional regional initiative, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), to enhance justice systems across 15 Pacific partner countries from the sub-regions of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. It is guided by the Pacific Chief Justices' 15-member Leadership Forum, which includes Aotearoa New Zealand's Rt Hon Dame Chief Justice Winkelmann in her capacity as Chief Justice of Tokelau.  Since its inception in 2021, PJSP has worked to promote accessible, fair, just, responsive and efficient justice systems that contribute towards supporting a stable, prosperous, and resilient Pacific region.

The programme encompasses a wide range of services and activities spanning judicial education, litigation skills, professional development, court efficiency and technical training, through to enhancing human rights and gender and family violence responsiveness. Building and enhancing regional partnerships throughout the Pacific region is also a focus, while the specialised Ina'ilau component of the programme focuses on improving access to justice for women and children in the Pacific.

As Deputy Director you would need to bring real world experience in building effective and enduring relationships in a genuinely inclusive Pacific context. You will have strong experience at the senior leadership level, both in the provision of high quality strategic and operational advice and support, and preferably in a justice sector or Pacific context.

You will work closely with the Director to assist with leading a small and dedicated hands-on team of subject matter experts to engage with Pacific partner country Chief Justices, courts and other justice sector stakeholders to provide tailored support, including resources, training, and professional development opportunities to help address country-specific, and regional, Pacific needs. 

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will have:

• experience in successfully delivering a multi-faceted and complex work programme, preferably within a justice sector or Pacific context
• ability to “hit the ground running” in support of the development of a business case for the next phase of the programme
• experience in providing timely and high quality strategic and operational advice at the senior leadership level, preferably within a justice sector or Pacific context
• proven track record in developing enduring relationships of trust and confidence with senior stakeholders and governance entities, prioritising a Pacific context
• demonstrated ability to role model Pacific best practice by facilitating and delivering high quality, culturally appropriate and co-designed solutions
• excellent problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative responses to sensitive, complex and diverse issues
• superior written and oral communication skills and a reputation for communicating with clarity
• demonstrated understanding of the judiciary and justice sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand and/or the Pacific
• proven commitment to working under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working with Māori, Pacific Peoples and other ethnicities and cultures
• a law degree (or other relevant tertiary qualification).

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

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

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 22 days holiday leave (FT)
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $129,129 - $179,192. The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.

Tono mai | How to Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on  Sunday 31 August 2025, 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 recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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