Chief Advisor – Sector Insights

Role overview

The Ministry of Justice in Wellington is hiring a Chief Advisor for its Sector Insights function within Ātea ā Rangi – Strategy, Sector Insights Group, National Office. This senior position is focused on turning evidence, foresight and strategic thinking into action that improves outcomes across the justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this role, you will act as a dependable advisor to senior leaders, helping shape how the Ministry responds to complex issues that span agencies and the wider system. The job requires you to connect strategic analysis with delivery so that insight leads to practical, system-level change.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver robust, system-wide strategic advice to senior decision-makers, using strong analysis and a future-oriented approach.
• Spot and define cross-agency and whole-of-system challenges, helping steer enterprise priorities and strategic choices.
• Carry out horizon scanning and forward-looking analysis to identify emerging risks, opportunities and long-term trends affecting the system.
• Serve as a connector across the Ministry and the broader justice sector so that insights result in coordinated and aligned responses.
• Shape strategic messaging, priorities and pathways that influence decisions and support improvement across the system.
• Lead or support initiatives at system level that turn insight into interventions with real impact.
• Create strong, trusted relationships with sector leaders, iwi and cross-government stakeholders to build shared understanding and action.

Skills and experience

You should be comfortable working through ambiguity, bringing structure and clarity to complex situations. The role requires confidence at senior levels, along with the credibility to influence how system-level decisions are made.

Must-have requirements

• Background working with senior leaders in large and complex organisations, with experience providing strategic or policy advice of a high standard.
• Clear intellectual leadership, plus the ability to build trust and influence across government, iwi and other important stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of public sector systems, accountability settings and performance-based decision-making.
• Proven ability to use data, evidence and insight to improve decisions and outcomes at enterprise or system scale.
• Strong critical thinking and judgement, especially when dealing with complex trade-offs, risks and issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to turn complex system information into clear, compelling advice.

Nice-to-have experience

• Experience influencing or leading initiatives that span multiple agencies or the wider system.
• Experience with system-level modelling and advanced analytics to support strategic decisions.

Personal attributes

• A curious mindset and a genuine commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.
• Adaptability and resilience, with the ability to stay effective in uncertain and changing environments.
• A collaborative approach and an interest in understanding other people’s contexts.

About the Ministry of Justice

Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice works to strengthen public trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. Its work spans the justice system, with a focus on building a system that is fair, accessible and effective.

Ātea ā Rangi – Strategy provides strategic direction, planning and performance support for the Ministry. The team uses data, evidence and insight to guide decisions, improve enterprise performance and support better justice outcomes for New Zealanders.

The Ministry says it welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Why this role stands out

• Work at the centre of system leadership and strategy.
• Influence decisions that affect long-term justice outcomes.
• Join a collaborative, high-performing team focused on insight, impact and continuous improvement.
• Be part of a workplace that values diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.

Salary and remuneration

The pay range for this role is NZ$149,972 to NZ$193,782 per year, with the final offer depending on experience.

Application instructions

Applicants are asked to send a CV plus a short cover letter that explains their relevant capability and experience, their motivation for applying and the value they would bring, and their development focus and how they plan to grow in the role.

Applications close on 02 July, although CVs will be reviewed as they are received and some candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date.

For questions, candidates can contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.

Additional information

This position is based in Wellington and is a full-time onsite role.

A mention of a professional social network has been omitted for publishing purposes.