Programme Lead - Youth Pathways

Ngati Ruanui Tahua Limited is a whanau ora service provider in South Taranaki, offering a kaupapa Maori, holistic approach to supporting whanau and our wider community. Our services encompass kohanga reo, early childcare, whanau ora and social services, iwi support and clinical practices. We are seeking a Programme Lead - Youth Pathways to join our Whanau Ora team and lead the delivery of He Poutama Rangatahi - South Taranaki. This is an iwi-led youth training and employment programme supporting rangatahi aged 15 to 24 who are not currently in employment, education or training, and who may be facing barriers to participation. Reporting to the Whanau Ora Manager, this role will provide day-to-day leadership and coordination across the programme. The successful applicant will bring strong programme establishment experience and coordination skills, confidence working with rangatahi and the ability to build meaningful relationships with employers, training providers, whanau, iwi services and community partners. The ideal applicant will have strong connections to South Taranaki and a genuine passion for supporting rangatahi into sustainable employment, education or training pathways. They will be comfortable working in a kaupapa Maori environment and will bring credibility, sound judgement, strong communication skills and a mana-enhancing approach to working with rangatahi and whanau. About the Role This role will lead the establishment, delivery, coordination and quality assurance of the Youth Pathways Programme. The Programme Lead will ensure the programme is delivered in line with Ministry of Social Development requirements, contractual obligations and Ngati Ruanui Tahua Limited values. This role will: Lead the delivery of a structured 26 week youth preparedness programme. Coordinate a minimum 26 week post-placement support phase. Support rangatahi to work toward sustainable employment, education or training outcomes. Support the Training & Employment Kaiarahi with participant intake, enrolment, engagement, milestone tracking, case management and programme completion. Ensure each rangatahi has a clear individual development and pathway plan. Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers, training providers, schools, iwi services, Work and Income and community agencies. Maintain warm referral pathways for rangatahi requiring additional whanau, health, social or practical support. Ensure accurate participant records, engagement notes, outcome evidence and reporting information are maintained. Coordinate and deliver MSD reporting requirements, ensure continuous improvement and overall programme success. About You To be successful in this role you will: Have experience in youth employment, education, training, social services, iwi services or community development. Have experience establishing, leading and coordinating programmes, projects or contracted services. Understand the barriers affecting rangatahi, including transport, housing, mental health, education disengagement and limited work experience. Be able to build strong relationships with rangatahi, whanau, employers, training providers and community agencies. Bring strong local employer engagement, relationship management and brokerage skills. Have strong documentation, reporting and contract compliance skills. Have a strong understanding of kaupapa Maori, tikanga and the importance of culturally safe practice. Have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Be competent using the Microsoft suite of tools. Hold a full, clean and current NZ Driver Licence. What We Offer Competitive remuneration. A flexible and supportive working environment. The opportunity to lead meaningful kaupapa that creates real impact and positive change for rangatahi, whanau and the wider South Taranaki community. Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. The successful applicant will be subject to a satisfactory Police Vetting check, relevant to working with vulnerable rangatahi and whanau. Applications close: 5:00pm, Friday 14 August 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr