Principal Advisor

This is a unique fixed term opportunity to join a high-performing team focused on transforming how services are designed, commissioned and delivered across New Zealand communities.

Working at the centre of strategy, planning, investment, service design, contracting and implementation, you will play a key role in shaping commissioning approaches that support stronger outcomes for whānau, communities, iwi and service providers. This role offers the chance to contribute to meaningful system change through innovative partnership models and community-led solutions.

You’ll work alongside senior leaders, government agencies, iwi, Māori organisations, NGOs and community partners to develop and implement commissioning frameworks, investment approaches and service delivery models that make a genuine difference.

About the role

As Principal Advisor – Commissioning, you will provide strategic leadership and expert advice across a complex and evolving programme of work. You’ll help bridge strategy and operational delivery, ensuring commissioning practices are effective, evidence-based and focused on achieving sustainable outcomes.

A key focus of the role will be supporting transformational initiatives that strengthen community-led decision making and commissioning approaches.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting key engagements with Māori partners, including planning, coordination, agenda development and strategic advice.
• Leading and supporting the planning and early implementation of initiatives that redesign and shift commissioning arrangements with selected partners.
• Providing high-quality advice to governance groups, senior leaders and key stakeholders, including executive and ministerial audiences.
• Developing advice on partner projects, including financial, operational and implementation implications.
• Supporting investment planning, commissioning design and service delivery improvements.
• Building trusted relationships across government, iwi, Māori organisations, NGOs and community providers.
• Monitoring, evaluating and continuously improving commissioning approaches and outcomes.
• Translating strategic objectives into practical delivery plans and measurable results.

About you

You are a highly experienced commissioning professional who can confidently operate at both strategic and operational levels. You bring a strong understanding of public sector service delivery and a proven ability to translate complex ideas into practical outcomes.

You will ideally bring:

• Extensive commissioning experience within social services, government or community-focused environments.
• Strong contract management, procurement and investment planning expertise.
• Experience developing and implementing commissioning frameworks and operating models.
• Demonstrated success working with NGOs, community providers, iwi and Māori organisations.
• Experience preparing advice and recommendations for governance, executive and ministerial audiences.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
• A genuine appreciation for te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• Cultural competence and confidence working alongside Māori and diverse communities.
• The ability to navigate ambiguity while remaining focused on delivery and outcomes.

What’s on offer?

This fixed-term opportunity offers the chance to help shape the future of community-led service delivery and contribute to significant system-level change. You’ll join a passionate, collaborative team committed to delivering better outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.

Reference: BH-145944