Principal Official Information Act Advisor (Fixed Term)

• Bring your strategic skills and OIA advice to join DOC Te Papa Atawhai and contribute to meaningful mahi for conservation in Aotearoa
• Salary $109,160 - $143,000 depending on skills and experience
• Full time, fixed term role until end of December 2026 based in Conservation House, Wellington

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

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

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Keen to contribute towards conservation outcomes with a meaningful organisation? We are looking for a Principal Official Information Act Advisor eager to join our Regulatory Authorisations Team and improve our Ministerial servicing.

As Principal Advisor, you will have oversight and assurance of OIA requests, and provide high-level 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. You'll be writing response letters, assisting in responses for OPQs and WPQs, briefings and status report items for requesters, senior leadership and Ministers – excellent communication skills are key.

The team works at pace and is an extremely responsive, deadline driven environment, working collaboratively to draw on the strengths of all team members.

The position will be focused 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 Regulatory Services and Fast Track teams to identify and evaluate risks associated with requests, and recommend preferred approaches to responses
• mentoring and guiding across the directorate to lift the quality of our OIA responses and processes
• working closely alongside our legal and media teams, and other stakeholders
• working as an honourable treaty partner to promote Māori engagement and involvement with our work

This is a full time, fixed term role until the end of December 2026 based in Conservation House, Wellington.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a proactive and committed individual who is confident giving advice across the organisation on OIA and associated matters. 

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• At least 5+ years' experience in an OIA, regulatory, policy or legal environment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Effective, articulate, and persuasive communicator both written and oral.
• Superb interpersonal skills and able to build effective relationships across a diverse work group.
• Strong understanding of the machinery of government processes.
• Experienced developing and presenting metrics to a broad audience.
• High attention to detail, and strong risk-mitigation skills.
• Experience of using a workflow management tool.
• Highly adaptable and a strong team player.
• Unflappable in pressurised environments.

Desirable:

• Understanding of Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work
• Work in genuine partnership with Māori and act as an honourable treaty partner.

Being a genuine Treaty partner means:

• Putting Treaty relationships first in the way we work
• Showing respect in every partnership
• Growing our Treaty knowledge and Te Ao Māori capability

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?

At the heart of our success is our strong DOC culture, built on clear values. Our integrity grounds us, our connections take us further together, we empower ourselves and others to do the best work, so we achieve more for nature and New Zealand.  DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.

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.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from mahi on the marae, with your iwi or hapū, through connections, community or volunteer work, or other roles. We value the wide range of skills, strengths and knowledge that people bring, no matter where they were gained.

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 $109,160 to $143,000 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being 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.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at [email protected]