Lead Service Designer

Pivotal role supporting the Disability Programme. Fixed Term until 30 June 2027 Based at our Wellington National Office Mō mātou | About us 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 putTamarikifirst We respect theManaof people We valueWhakapapa We recognise thatOrangais a journey Mō te tūnga| About therole 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) have 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 context. 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 and 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 . Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring Key requirements of the role include: 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. In addition to the above key requirements, the following attributes will be desirable: 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. Nōu te rourou | 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 offer 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 dependant on experience. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. Internal secondment opportunities may be considered. If you are interested in a secondment to this role, please discuss with your direct manager or People and Performance Partner first. Oranga Tamariki is committed to making the recruitment process accessible and equitable. Support may include: NZSL interpreters. Assistance for mobility and transport needs. Accessible meeting spaces and online options. Adjustments to the application or interview process on request. If you have any questions about role, please contact Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on 28th July 2026. If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol. #J-18808-Ljbffr