We are currently seeking an awesome person with strong, demonstrated leadership and policy experience, to join our Social Work/Disability and Mental Health team. The work is fast-paced, with no day being the same! The Principal Advisor, Policy and Research ensures the provision of high-quality research and evidence-based analysis, insights and advice to support the work of the Inquiry. The Principal Advisor will provide strategic input to the planning, execution and reporting associated with the policy and research work programme and will work in a collaborative manner across all inquiry directorates in order to deliver joined-up advice to commissioners.

As a Principal Advisor - Policy and Research, some key areas of responsibility include:

• Contribute to and actively promote the Royal Commission's purpose, strategy and work programme, actively seeking out opportunities to influence and shape the content of our strategy and work programme
• Provide intellectual/thought leadership by bringing advice and ideas for your portfolio (discipline) leading achievement of these relevant goals and outcomes for the Royal Commission
• Provide policy advice and support to the wider policy and research unit
• Leading initiatives across the business unit and contributing to key policy projects
• Demonstrate collaborative leadership across the organisation to contribute to ensuring 'one organisation' to maximise multidisciplinary team performance
• Coach, mentor and assist with the development of other Advisors in Treaty Partnerships
• Scope, plan and drive change within your portfolio (or discipline)
• Apply sound operational management practices, actively sharing
• Promoting and contributing to the Royal Commission's standards and best practice ways of working
• Apply a Te Tiriti o Waitangi approach to the Royal Commission's work
• Build and maintain highly credible and values professional relationships and networks, internally and externally, to understand and influence the needs and perspectives of others
• Develop and maintain an understanding of the current and future needs of Survivors and their whānau and stakeholders needs and priorities, contributing to the Royal Commission's strategic choices to shape the nature of our interim reports and final report

Skills and experience:

The key skills and experience we are looking for include (but not limited to):

• Relevant qualification or experience
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues and concerns
• Knowledge of Te Reo Māori and tikanga would be advantageous
• Strong demonstrable knowledge of and/or experience in the role of the public service, the machinery of government and the independent role of a Royal Commission
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain successful relationships both within the Royal Commission and externally, including understanding survivor and their whānau needs and aspiration, stakeholder motivations and the ability to influence and persuade
• Effective planning and organisation skills, including time management and prioritising in a results-focused environment
• Demonstrated understanding of and experience working in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Good understanding of human rights issues both domestic and international would be advantageous
• Have experience in policy and applied research experience ideally related to issues and themes relevant to State, Faith-based settings, Māori, Pacific People's or Deaf and Disabled People's care settings would be advantageous
• Ideally have in-depth knowledge of Ministerial and Cabinet processes, statutory decision making