Principal Advisor, Sensitive Claims

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About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

The Principal Advisor will operate with a high degree of judgement and understanding of complexity and managing risks, to ensure all sensitive claims activities are delivered to a high standard.

The Principal Advisor sits within a pool of Principal Advisors who report to the Director Sensitive Claims and is a key member of the sensitive claims leadership team. The role is expected to collaborate and work closely with staff across the wider sensitive claims unit, with a particular focus on ensuring the best possible experience for sensitive claimants, maintaining strategic oversight of sensitive claims functions and processes, and managing relationships within and outside of the Ministry.

This role will provide support across the three operational teams within the sensitive claims unit, undertaking reviews and quality assurance of work outputs and providing technical expertise and advice where required.

Salary range: $ 119,171 - $144,560 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

Please note: Applications from affected kaimahi | employees will be given priority consideration.

For more details about the role, you can view the job description  here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We’re looking for someone passionate about making meaningful contributions to the delivery of the Redress system.

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience, be enthusiastic about delivering real improvements that make a difference to sensitive claimants and will have the demonstrated skills and ability to provide authoritative analysis and feedback on work outputs. You take a collaborative approach to your mahi and work well with others to present innovative and efficient responses to issues and opportunities.

You will also bring:

• Well-developed critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyse information, develop options and think strategically
• Strong technical and analytical writing skills
• Ability to produce high quality, clear and concise written communications, briefings and feedback
• Excellent communication, relationship management and negotiation skills
• Ability to understand and apply Te Tiriti of Waitangi in the work of policy development and implementation
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across a diverse group of people
• Ability to identify problems, synthesise and interpret information, offer improvements, and provide or develop practical solutions.
• Mentoring and coaching experience.
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct. 

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

The Sensitive Claims team leads and delivers the Ministry’s redress process for addressing claims of historic abuse or neglect in state schools. A sensitive claim is defined as a claim where an individual alleges that they were abused or neglected at a state or residential special school and is seeking some form of redress. We ensure claims are managed in a respectful, mana-enhancing way, and that claimants and their whānau are at the centre of everything we do.  

We also work closely with the Crown Response Office and other state redress agencies on delivering the Government’s Redress response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care.  

Our group sits within Te Pou Taunaki | Learning Support group who are accountable for providing functional leadership to all learning support services spanning national functions and regional delivery, delivered either in-house, by education providers or by other providers. 

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Jenna-Faith Allan, Director Sensitive Claims at JennaFaith.Allan@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight – Wednesday 13 May 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.