Principal Advisor - Risk and Assurance

Overview Provide expert risk and assurance advice that influences executive-level decision making. Support enterprise risk and assurance management and strengthen organisational maturity. Help shape the direction of risk and assurance across Kāinga Ora. Our opportunity We’re looking for a Principal Advisor – Risk and Assurance to join our People and Assurance group in a pivotal role helping shape how risk, assurance, and compliance support strategic decision making across Kāinga Ora. This is your opportunity to influence how risk and assurance is embedded across the organisation, supporting strong governance, informed decision-making, and long-term success. Responsibilities Lead high-priority initiatives that strengthen enterprise-wide risk capability and assurance maturity, working across risk management, internal audit, privacy, and integrity services to support strong governance and informed decision-making. Shape policy and frameworks and guide complex risk and assurance conversations to ensure Kāinga Ora operates with integrity, accountability and confidence. Apply risk and assurance expertise to complex organisational challenges to influence decision-making and strengthen organisational capability. Shape and continuously improve the enterprise compliance framework to strengthen oversight of organisational regulatory obligations. Provide high-quality strategic advice to Executive Leadership teams, Board, and Risk Committees to support decision-making. Contribute to critical organisational initiatives, including Technology Modernisation and Data Governance programmes, embedding risk and assurance practices into key decision making. Strengthen connections across risk, internal audit, privacy and integrity services to support a more integrated enterprise-wide approach to risk and assurance. What you will bring An experienced and credible risk and assurance professional who thrives in complex environments and can influence at the highest levels. Demonstrated enterprise-wide expertise in assurance and compliance within large or highly regulated public sector environments. Proven expertise in influencing strategic decision-making and driving organisational risk and assurance maturity. Experience developing and enhancing enterprise-wide frameworks, policies and guidance that support effective governance and assurance outcomes. Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to prepare governance papers, policies, briefings, and executive-level advice. Strong understanding of enterprise risk management, assurance, privacy and integrity functions and how these work together to support organisational risk and assurance management. Ability to provide clear, actionable advice on complex risk and assurance issues to a wide range of stakeholders. Sound understanding of public sector governance, accountability, and regulatory standards (e.g. ISO 31000, Privacy Act, OIA, PSC). Organisation and values As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we are committed to providing tools and support for health and work-life balance and to growing your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities. About Kāinga Ora At Kāinga Ora, we transform New Zealand’s housing choices and outcomes by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive. We are dedicated to transforming New Zealand for the better and to being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi in alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Our values Manaakitanga – People at the Heart; Mahi Tahi – Better Together; Whanake – Be Bold. Join us To view the position description and apply, please follow the online process via http://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz. Please note: all applicants, including existing employees, need to follow this process. If you have any questions about this role, please contact [email protected]. Applications close on Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11:55pm. We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation. Reference # 79415 Location: Auckland Central Regional Office, Auckland South Regional Office, Wellington National Office #J-18808-Ljbffr