Jobs New Zealand

Ko wai mātou | About Us:

The role of the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha is to provide coherent, system-level leadership and advice that aligns priorities and focus across government to improve the lives of Disabled and Deaf people.

Whaikaha is now a standalone ministry, and one of its major projects for this year is to refresh the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-26.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Programme management professional to plan and implement the process to refresh the New Zealand Disability Strategy.

This important role will involve working within Whaikaha to run a cross-agency process, in collaboration with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori, to enable drafting of a new Disability Strategy for New Zealand. You will lead the finalisation of milestones for the work programme and support progress towards those milestones.

You will play a central role in shaping a strategy for a future that empowers disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the scoping, design, delivery, and reporting of the programme.
Provide strategic direction and ensure successful milestone delivery through effective leadership and collaboration with stakeholders across government and the community.
Build strong relationships with the disability community and key stakeholders, influence government agencies, and ensure inclusive and meaningful participation.
Lead the design and sequencing of projects within the programme, ensuring the effective use of resources and budgets.
Provide expert advice to senior leaders on strategic and operational decisions, ensuring the programme aligns with Whaikaha's broader strategic goals and continues to be responsive to the evolving needs of the disability community.

This is a fixed term role ending 24 December 2025.

Ko wai koe | About You:

You will bring significant experience in leading complex programmes of work in the New Zealand Government sector.

Your proven ability to initiate, lead, and manage strategic programmes of work will set you up for success in this role.

Your demonstrated ability to build constructive, effective relationships with diverse stakeholders will allow you to build meaningful relationships with our stakeholders and influence leaders and peers across government and non-government organisations.

You will bring an understanding of the disability sector and the barriers faced by disabled people in New Zealand.

You will have experience providing high-level strategic and operational advice to leaders and senior teams.

To undertake this role successfully, you will be a disabled person or be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.

You will have empathy and an understanding of the unique and diverse experiences of disabled people.

Mō Te Tono, Mō Te Tirotiro Tātai Tūranga | Apply or View the Position Description:

A copy of the position description can be found here. Programme Lead position description.

Salary range: $117,419 – $174,069

Tono Mai | We encourage you to apply:

Joining Whaikaha means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity that each individual brings. Currently, just over 40% of our people identify as disabled people and we want this number to grow. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they really are. We are committed to the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all levels of our work.

Me He Pātai Anō | Further Enquiries:

We encourage you to talk to us about any support you need. We want you to present this information in a way that plays to your strengths. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of traditional CV and cover letter. You might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you or use social media or a PowerPoint presentation. Let's kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application.

[email protected]

Te Tono | Application:

Please click the 'Apply' button to submit your application.

If you work for Whaikaha - Please apply through the myHR portal. You can do this by clicking the ‘Apply’ button to complete the online application form and upload your CV and cover letter. This will ensure that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.

Programme Lead Disability Strategy Refresh