Chief Advisor – Sector Insights

Role overview

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a senior strategic leader for the Sector Insights function within Ātea ā Rangi – Strategy, based at the National Office. This position is suited to someone who can turn evidence into direction, shape system-level thinking, and influence decisions that improve outcomes across the justice sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this role, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, offering forward-looking, authoritative guidance on complex cross-system challenges. The emphasis is not only on understanding current issues, but on helping define the next steps for the Ministry and the wider sector.

Key focus areas

• Deliver strategic advice at a whole-of-system level using strong analysis and future-oriented thinking.
• Spot and define issues that cut across agencies, helping set enterprise priorities and strategic direction.
• Use horizon scanning and foresight to identify emerging risks, opportunities and long-term shifts in the system.
• Work as a connector across the Ministry and justice sector so that insights lead to coordinated responses.
• Shape strategic narratives, priorities and action pathways that support system improvement.
• Lead or guide initiatives that convert insight into practical interventions with system-wide impact.
• Develop trusted relationships with sector leaders, iwi and cross-government partners to build shared understanding and support collective action.

What you will bring

You will be comfortable working in complex and uncertain settings, bringing clarity, sound judgement and direction. This role requires confidence at senior levels and the ability to influence how system-level decisions are made.

• Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders in large and complex organisations.
• Strong background in strategic or policy advice.
• Credibility and influence across government, iwi and stakeholder networks.
• Good understanding of public sector systems, accountability structures and performance-informed decision-making.
• Ability to use data, evidence and insight to improve enterprise or system-level outcomes.
• Advanced critical thinking, judgement and ability to weigh risks and trade-offs.
• Clear and persuasive communication skills, especially when simplifying complex issues.
• Experience with cross-agency or system-wide initiatives is an advantage.
• Exposure to system modelling or advanced analytics for strategic decisions is also desirable.
• A curious mindset, commitment to learning, adaptability, resilience and a collaborative approach.

About the organisation

Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice works to strengthen trust in the law in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its work spans the justice system and aims to support a fair, accessible and effective system for everyone.

Ātea ā Rangi – Strategy is responsible for strategic direction, planning and performance. The group uses data, evidence and insights to support decision-making, improve enterprise performance and contribute to better justice outcomes.

The organisation welcomes people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Why this role stands out

• A position at the centre of strategy and system leadership.
• The chance to influence decisions that affect long-term justice outcomes.
• A collaborative, high-performing team focused on insight, impact and improvement.
• An inclusive workplace that values diversity, wellbeing and belonging.

Salary

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

Application details

Applicants are asked to provide a CV and a brief cover letter covering relevant capability and experience, motivation for applying and intended value-add, plus their development focus and how they plan to grow in the role.

Applications close on 02 July, though applications may be reviewed as they are received and interviews may be scheduled before the closing date.

For queries, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.

Additional information

The role title is Chief Advisor – Sector Insights and the position is based in Wellington. The employer listed is Public Defence Service - New Zealand. This is a full-time onsite role.