• Meaningful work to ensure good conduct of public sector agencies
• Bring your experience of handling complaints, dispute resolution or investigative work
• Permanent and fixed term opportunities in our Wellington and Auckland Offices

Mō te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.

Mō tō mātou tira – About the team

Investigators in the Complaints Resolution Group work with the Chief Ombudsman to independently investigate and review complaints about the administrative conduct of public sector agencies, including decisions on requests for official information. Teams focus either on early resolution, or on more complex, longer investigations. This is a busy and exciting time to be part of the Complaints Resolution Group.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

We have permanent and fixed term opportunities based in our Wellington or Auckland offices.

Our Investigators are responsible for all stages of intervention from providing initial assistance and seeking early resolution, through to planning and undertaking complex investigations with multiple stakeholders.

As an Investigator the work you will carry out is varied and challenging and requires adaptability and resilience. Your resolution-focussed approach will be key to achieving meaningful outcomes in your work and your ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and world views is crucial to success in the role.

He kōrero mōu – About you

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A legal or other relevant tertiary qualification
• Knowledge of practice and procedure in central or local government, or of the wider public sector
• Experience gathering, analysing and presenting information, establishing facts and applying critical thinking to complex and varied scenarios
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to deal with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, and the ability to remain calm and focused when dealing with aggrieved parties
• Excellent time management skills, the ability to perform under pressure, and to set priorities and meet deadlines under changing conditions

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer
Becoming part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.

• Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team
• Flexible working options
• Competitive remuneration
• Two extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment
• Onsite gym,, free to all employees
• Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Me pēhea e tono - How to apply
Apply now! and you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter. For further information about this vacancy please get in touch via email.

All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.

It is a requirement of the Office that all new staff are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before commencing work. This includes any boosters they are eligible for.

As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.

Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $85,134 to $127,702 with $106,418 being the mid-point.

Please note that the interviews for this role is likely to happen the week of 29th May 2023.

Applications close Sunday 21st May 2023.