Principal Advisor Advice and Navigation

Job Description Principal Advisor to the Chief Victims Advisor Overview Office of the Chief Victims Advisor | Justice Sector Directorate 6 month fixed term contract Te Haeata / The Opportunity This is a unique and influential role at the heart of improving outcomes for victim‑survivors across Aotearoa New Zealand. Responsibilities The Principal Advisor – Advice and Navigation leads the direct response to victim‑survivor inquiries and complaints received by the Chief Victims Advisor's office. You will ensure every interaction is handled with empathy, integrity and timeliness, while also using insights from those experiences to inform system‑wide improvements. Working across the justice sector and beyond, you will provide strategic, practical advice that reflects lived experience, helping shape a more connected, victim‑centred system. You will influence senior leaders, support cross‑agency collaboration, and play a critical role in strengthening how government responds to and supports victim‑survivors. This is a dynamic role requiring agility, judgement and strong relationship skills. Skills and Experience Significant experience working with victim‑survivors and people impacted by trauma, applying trauma‑and violence‑informed practice. Sound understanding of justice system processes (criminal, civil and family). Proven experience leading or overseeing complex, sensitive enquiries or casework, ensuring high‑quality, timely outcomes. Effective communication with a wide range of audiences, using plain language that is culturally competent and trauma‑informed. Knowledge of the Victims' Rights Act and Victims Code (or ability to quickly build this knowledge). Strong relationship management skills with experience working across government, NGOs, iwi, and community groups. Highly skilled at identifying themes and insights from lived experience to inform system improvement and policy development. Confidence navigating ambiguity and complexity, prioritising work that delivers the greatest impact. Ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders, translating complex information into clear, actionable insights. About Us At Te Táhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we’re committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Justice Sector Directorate provides collaborative leadership, coordination and delivery support across justice priorities. The Office of the Chief Victims Advisor sits within the Directorate and provides independent advice to Ministers on justice sector performance for victim‑survivors. Our work is grounded in lived experience, partnership with communities, and a commitment to trauma‑informed practice. We are a small, high‑impact team that values humility, integrity, service and excellence, and we work in a fast‑paced, evolving environment where adaptability is key. Joining Te Táhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions. Benefits Flexible work hours where possible. An online professional development portal. Access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks. Salary The appointing salary for this role will be between $130,129 and $179,192 based on skills and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr