Job Description

About Us | Mō mātou

The Department of Internal Affairs plays a unique and essential role in making a strategic difference for New Zealand. Within DIA, the Regulatory and Identity Services Taituarā branch shapes systems and services that touch almost every New Zealander.

Our diverse, nationwide and international teams work at the intersection of innovation, data and integrity, supporting good government and better outcomes for communities. We are committed to cultural responsibility, meaningful engagement, and authentic partnership with Māori and Pasifika.

The role | Te tūnga

Reporting to the General Manager Engagement, Data and Innovation, the Principal Advisor is a senior trusted advisor and thought partner within a complex and high‑profile portfolio. You will provide high‑quality strategic advice, insight and risk management on complex and emerging issues, supporting the General Manager to shape direction and drive performance.

The role leads and contributes to cross‑government initiatives, including ministerial briefings, select committee material and official correspondence. You will support strategy, investment planning and performance narratives, build strong relationships across DIA and the wider public sector, provide thought leadership across data, life events, engagement models and innovation, and contribute to coaching, mentoring and capability uplift.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• Strategic leadership and judgement with extensive experience providing high‑quality strategic advice to senior leaders, with sound judgement in complex, ambiguous environments
• Public sector insight with strong understanding of the machinery of government, political decision‑making, and public service context
• Influence and communication bringing exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the credibility to influence at senior levels
• Stakeholder engagement with proven ability to build, maintain and leverage strong relationships across government and with external partners
• Risk and performance management with experience navigating complex risks, competing priorities, and delivering results
• Collaborative leadership with a constructive leadership style, with experience coaching and mentoring others and lifting collective capability

For you | Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $136,502 - $169,869.

To review the full job description, please click here.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you. 

Applications for this role close 5pm Monday 13 April 2026.Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions, please email Greg Archer