Principal Advisor, Governance and Secretariat

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service offer distinctively different career opportunities and embrace diverse talent. All jobs at the Authority contribute to ensuring safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly.The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory arm of our organisation and the Aviation Security Service is the nationwide provider for aviation security. About the Role As our Principal Advisor, Governance & Secretariat, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting effective governance across the Civil Aviation Authority. Working closely with the Board, Board Committees, Executive Leadership Team, and senior leaders, you'll provide expert governance advice, lead key governance processes, and help ensure the organisation meets its statutory and accountability obligations. This is an influential role where your expertise will strengthen decision‑making, risk oversight, and organisational performance across CAA. Key Responsibilities Lead the delivery of high-quality governance and secretariat services. Provide strategic governance advice to senior leaders and decision‑makers. Support governance processes across the Board, committees and Executive Leadership Team. Maintain and enhance governance frameworks, policies and practices. Oversee governance reporting, risk insights and key documentation. Coach and mentor others while driving continuous improvement initiatives. The salary band for this role is $136,939 - $168,191. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities. For more information on the role please view the position description. What You'll Bring You'll be an experienced governance professional who thrives in complex environments and enjoys partnering with senior leaders to achieve organisational outcomes. You’ll bring sound judgement, a strategic mindset, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. To succeed in this role you’ll demonstrate: Extensive experience in governance, secretariat or advisory leadership roles. Strong understanding of governance, risk and assurance frameworks. Experience working with boards, executives and senior stakeholders. The ability to provide trusted advice on complex and sensitive matters. Excellent communication, analytical and report‑writing skills. Proven ability to influence, mentor others and drive organisational outcomes. About Us The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand's aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand's international reputation. Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system - so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly. Our values — Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration — guide everything we do. We're committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued. Our people are central to our success. Why Join Us? 5 weeks annual leave, with an additional 2 days after five years of continuous service Sick leave entitlements from day 1 and ten days domestic leave annually Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4% Vision assistance Flu vaccinations Employee Assistance Programme Applications close: 6 August 2026 Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated. #J-18808-Ljbffr