Senior Official Information Act Advisor

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitutanga | About the role

Are you politically-savvy, well-versed in government, keen to bring your OIA skills to a meaningful, high-impact role with the Department?

We are looking for a Senior Advisor eager to join us in uplifting and centralising our service delivery across the Department.

As Senior Advisor, you will provide advice and trouble-shoot on matters that are sensitive or complex, while delivering quality OIA responses. You will lead context meetings on complex and highly contentious matters. You will work closely with the Manager and senior leaders, providing strategic advice as required. There is also opportunity to be involved in training and some project work.

The Senior Advisor will also play a mentoring role within the team, providing advice on matters that are particularly sensitive or complex.

The position will be focussed on:

providing specialist advice and support during the lifecycle of an OIA request and the application of relevant legislation, internal policies and processes for proactive and reactive release of official information
working with the business to identify and evaluate risks associated with requests, and recommend preferred approaches to responses
writing responses, providing supporting information as appropriate, and developing standard response letters
undertaking redactions, explaining withholding grounds, and preparing responses for proactive release.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a proactive and committed individual who is confident giving advice across the business on OIA and associated matters. The team works at pace and is an extremely responsive, deadline driven environment. Working closely alongside our legal and media teams, you will use your keen risk radar, strong attention to detail and listening skills to ensure consistent and accurate advice is given. There's plenty of interesting work and opportunities to broaden your skills and grow your career with DOC.

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

Solid experience in an OIA or legal environment (4+ years).
Proven analytical and critical thinking skills.
Effective, articulate, and persuasive communicator both written and oral.
Experienced developing and presenting metrics to a broad audience.
Strong understanding of the machinery of government processes.
High attention to detail.
Experience of using a workflow management tool.
Highly adaptable, strong self-awareness and a strong collaborative team player.
Unflappable in pressurised environments.
Mo te tima | About the team

The Government and Governance Team is in the Public Affairs group, which is responsible for building and enhancing trust and confidence with New Zealanders and Parliament, while protecting and enhancing DOC's reputation and brand.

The OIA Team forms part of the wider Government Services Team. The OIA team develop and own systems to support all of DOC with managing OIAs and ensuring appropriate engagement around information releases across DOC and with external parties, including the Minister. We are a diverse team and keep the team spirit and connection alive through real-time, daily stand ups to ensure we're all working collectively to achieve great work. We are a small team and work collaboratively to ensure we draw on the strengths of all team members.

Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tono inaianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $+2,450 to $116,+85 per annum, with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Ra katinga | Applications close at 11:5+ pm on Tuesday 10 June.

Me he patai ano | For further enquiries, contact Andrew Martin, OIA Support Manager at amartin@doc.govt.nz.

Taupanga | Job reference: DOC/1862+27.

 
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