Principal Advisor, Governance and Secretariat

About the Role

Take a central role in reinforcing governance excellence at the Civil Aviation Authority by serving as Principal Advisor, Governance & Secretariat. Collaborating closely with the Board, Board Committees, Executive Leadership Team, and senior leaders, you will deliver expert governance guidance, ensure compliance with statutory and accountability responsibilities, and enhance governance frameworks to support robust organisational performance and risk oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the provision of high-quality governance and secretariat services.
• Offer strategic governance counsel to senior leadership and decision-makers.
• Manage governance operations across the Board, its committees, and the Executive Leadership Team.
• Maintain and improve governance frameworks, policies, and practices.
• Oversee governance reporting, risk analytics, and critical documentation.
• Provide coaching and mentorship while fostering ongoing governance improvements.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive expertise in governance, secretariat, or advisory leadership roles within complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of governance, risk management, and assurance frameworks.
• Proven experience partnering with boards, executives, and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to deliver trusted advice on complex, sensitive governance issues.
• Excellent skills in communication, analytical thinking, and report preparation.
• Capacity to influence, mentor, and drive organisational progress effectively.

About the Organisation

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is the nation’s regulator for aviation safety and security, playing a pivotal role in protecting travelers, supporting the aviation industry, and enhancing New Zealand’s global reputation. Guided by values of professionalism, respect, integrity, transparency, and collaboration, we prioritize diversity and inclusion to create a work environment where all employees feel valued and safe.

Benefits

• Five weeks of annual leave with an additional two days after five years’ continuous service.
• Immediate sick leave entitlement along with ten days of domestic leave annually.
• Employer contribution to KiwiSaver matching up to 4%.
• Vision care support and annual flu vaccinations.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for wellness support.

Additional Information

The annual salary range offered for this position is between $136,939 and $168,191 NZD, with starting pay reflective of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity considerations.

We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process; please notify us of any required support to facilitate your participation.

Applications close on August 6, 2026, however, early applications are encouraged since shortlisting may begin sooner.