Principal Risk and Assurance Analyst

• Lead high-impact risk, assurance and internal audit work that strengthens integrity and performance across DOC.

• Work with senior leadership to shape and raise the profile and understanding of enterprise risk management and drive process and systems improvements.

• Salary: $123,00–$162,500 + DOC benefits (flexible work options where possible).

• Role type / location: Wellington, CBD. Fulltime, permanent position.

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

We’re looking for a Principal Risk and Assurance Analyst to lift risk management, assurance, and integrity practice across DOC.

You’ll join a small team of three with a strong integrity focus. This is a senior-level, hands‑on role. The role will see you lead complex reviews, strengthen enterprise risk reporting, and build consistent ways of working across the department. You will also deputise for the Chief Assurance Officer and represent the function at SLT, so a great opportunity for someone looking to step up and operate and senior leadership level.

In this role you will:

• Lead complex risk, assurance, and internal audit reviews.

• Strengthen enterprise risk management, including risk reporting, dashboards, and clear risk narrative for senior leaders.

• Promote the practical application of DOC’s Integrity Framework by supporting leaders and teams to strengthen ethical culture and integrity practices.

• Create practical tools and guidance that help teams identify, monitor, and manage key risks consistently.

• Coach and upskill others through training clinics and day‑to‑day support to build a strong risk culture.

• Work directly with Directors and SLT on sensitive issues in a constructive, solutions‑focused way.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You’ll be a credible, confident and calm operator who delivers under pressure. This role will see you work at enterprise level, build trust across DOC, and bring people with you as you lift risk and integrity practice.

You’ll turn complex issues into clear advice, make sound decisions and focus on outcomes that ultimately helps nature and people thrive.

In this role you will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in risk management, assurance and/or internal audit in a complex organisation.

• End-to-end assurance delivery (scope to follow up) with clear, practical reports and risk storytelling. ‑to‑end assurance delivery (scope to follow‑up) with clear, practical reports and risk storytelling.

• Enterprise risk management expertise — internal controls, risk appetite and key risk indicators (KRIs) — plus dashboards, governance packs and enterprise risk narrative.

• Senior stakeholder confidence — work well with Directors and SLT, present sensitive issues constructively and influence decisions.

• Strong planning and delivery — manage multiple pieces of work, meet deadlines and spot issues early — grounded in good practice (e.g., ISO 31000).

• Coaching and capability building — mentor others and help teams build consistent, mature risk practice.

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

• Understanding (or willingness to learn) Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work.

Desirable:

• Public sector experience and understanding of public sector governance, accountability, and integrity expectations.

• Experience working with external auditors or oversight bodies.

• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., business, finance, accounting, or similar).

• Professional certification (e.g., CIA, CISA, CA/CPA) — useful but not required.

Click here for the position description.

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 $123,00–$162,500 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 Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Me he pātai anō/ For further enquiries, contact: Mervyn Goh at [email protected]