Lead Service Designer

Job Overview Pivotal role supporting the Disability Programme. Fixed Term until 30 June 2027 Based at our Wellington National Office Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values: We put Tamariki first We respect the Mana of people We value Whakapapa We recognize that Oranga is a journey We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need. Mōtetūnga | About the role Oranga Tamariki developed a Disability Strategy in 2022‑23 through extensive engagement with the disability community, including tāngata Whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people and care‑experienced young people, as well as iwi and whānau. Te Riu (our Leadership team) has recently approved the establishment of the first phase of a Programme aligned to that Strategy to better meet the disability needs and rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers within the remit of Oranga Tamariki and across its functions. The Disability Programme focuses on improving practices and services, strengthening disability data and insights, building capability across all kaimahi, and enhancing our ability to advocate for change across the children’s and disability systems. The purpose of the Lead Designer role within the Disability Programme is to facilitate design thought leadership within the programme, design team, external partners and Oranga Tamariki. Picking up on trends, future thinking, keeping up to date with international research and developments in models of disability in child‑ and whānau‑centred contexts. The Lead Designer will have skills in cultural empathy and have the ability to apply a te ao Māori and Pasifika lens to design. The Lead Designer will conduct an end‑to‑end analysis of processes from a user perspective and work with the team to identify where improvements and interventions can be made to better meet disability needs and uphold the rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers. The ideal candidate will bring lived experience of disability to the way we work. Key Requirements of the Role The ability to apply human‑centred design / design thinking with proven experience of launched services that have been applied in the real world. The ability to see the big picture but also zoom in and focus on specific pieces of the puzzle to deliver change. Leading and contributing to workshops as well as the development of project proposals. Experience facilitating participatory design processes in place. Has tried and tested tools and frameworks to balance user, legislation, business and technology requirements and the experience required to coach clients and stakeholders through this. Understanding and experience working in and with the machinery of government – ideally in operational environments. High level of communication skills with the ability to tailor your message to your audience as well as write strategic and operational reports. Experience in managing multiple projects and ability to pick up projects already in flight with a high level of prioritisation and solution focus. Expert level skill at building and maintaining relationships with all sorts of people both inside and outside the organisation. Demonstrated experience leading the development of service concepts, blueprints and other artefacts to help communicate experience and delivery requirements. Understanding and appreciation of cross‑cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture. Desirable Attributes Knowledge of the disability sector and models of disability, with experience in public sector, frontline service environments, or organisations with similar complexity. Has knowledge, understanding and ability to work with and respond to the diverse needs, experiences and views of tamariki, rangatahi, parents and caregivers that Oranga Tamariki interact with. Demonstrates a clear and genuine connection to the disability community through personal lived experience, community involvement, cultural background, or professional/voluntary work aligned to the Disability Programme’s focus. Nōuterourou | What’s in it for you We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. Oranga Tamariki offers a step‑based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $147,010 and $162,887 depending on experience. Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include: Assistance for mobility and transport needs. Accessible meeting spaces and online options. Adjustments to the application or interview process on request. Location(s): Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Paraparaumu, Wellington #J-18808-Ljbffr