Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team

This busy team works to support the growth of the Ombudsman's work, with a specific focus on providing advice and guidance about the PDA and responding to disclosures of serious wrongdoing. The Protected Disclosures team work collaboratively within the team and with key staff across the office to undertake the protected disclosures function.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

The focus will be on receiving, responding to and managing requests for advice and disclosures. This includes correspondence with enquirers over the phone and by email, to ensure an accurate understanding of their concerns and advice that they seek, and the provision of timely written advice in response.
You will also support the Senior Advisors to effectively investigate disclosures of serious wrongdoing. This includes assistance with document review, support with interviews as required, and carriage of some investigations as required.
There are two roles available, both fixed term until December 2025.

He kōrero mōu – About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in law or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of the Ombudsmen in contemporary society.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience of the Ombudsmen's jurisdiction and operating legislation.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting advice tailored to different stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrated experience in speaking with a variety of stakeholders, including stakeholders who may be distressed.
• In-depth understanding and experience of investigation practice and natural justice in a legal environment, in particular in relation to highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong understanding of the context in which public and private sector organisations and NGOs operate, and the challenges they face.
• Understanding of Māori, disability and other cultural and human rights concepts, including the Treaty of Waitangi and equal employment opportunities
• Excellent communication skills alongside great interpersonal skills and analytical thinking.

Please note that there might be occasional travel required.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer

Become part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and professional support programmes

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please email recruitment@ombudsman.parliament.nz.
The Office of the Ombudsman encourages and supports all our workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The current position of the Office however, does not require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of this role. Please note that the Office may, if a risk assessment identifies the need, introduce a vaccination requirement for managing an epidemic.
All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.
As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $87,982 - $115,477, with $109,978 being the midpoint.
Applications close 5pm, 6 November 2024.