Principal Advisor | Wellington City

Job Description

Principal Advisor, Design and Implementation

Bring your extensive advisory expertise to one of the Ministry's most impactful teams.

We're seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to lead high‑value service design, commissioning and improvement work that shapes how justice services are delivered across Aotearoa.

The role sits in the Design and Implementation team, which is part of Commissioning and Service Improvement (CSI). We have one 12-month fixed term opportunity available.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

This is a senior, high‑trust position suited to someone who has already operated at Principal Advisor level or equivalent in a complex public sector environment.

As a Principal Advisor, you will:

• Lead complex, strategic initiatives spanning service design, commissioning, procurement and operational implementation.
• Provide authoritative advice on the design and improvement of justice services across courts, tribunals and community‑based providers.
• Translate policy and legislative changes into practical operational solutions.
• Shape business models, methodologies and frameworks that support nationally consistent, customer‑centred service delivery.
• Influence senior leaders across Operations & Service Delivery and provide thought leadership across CSI.

You will be expected to work with autonomy, navigate ambiguity, and bring a depth of judgement built on substantial prior experience.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

We are looking for a seasoned Principal Advisor who brings:

• Extensive experience at a senior level in government or a large, complex organisation.
• Proven leadership of large or ambiguous service design, commissioning or improvement initiatives.
• Deep understanding of public sector processes, procurement frameworks, commissioning, and the machinery of government.
• Advanced analytical, problem‑solving and communication capability.
• Strong relationship management skills, including engaging with senior leaders, sector partners, and external providers.
• Experience mentoring or developing others and providing intellectual leadership across teams.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent expertise.

This role is not suitable for early‑career or developing advisors. We are seeking a candidate who can immediately operate at a senior, strategic, system‑wide level.

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.

Commissioning and Service Improvement (CSI) sits at the heart of the Ministry's operational improvement work. We design and commission services, manage key justice‑related contracts, and support major system changes across the justice sector.

You'll join a highly capable, collaborative team working on complex, multi‑layered problems that impact communities nationwide. Our work is diverse, system‑level, and deeply connected to improving the experience of people who interact with justice services.

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. 

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $130,129 and $168,062 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/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 15 April 2026; 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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