Mo te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata – About the Ombudsman The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies.
The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration.
The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.
Mo to matou tira – About the team The Chief Ombudsman inspects and monitors the treatment of people in places of detention, including prisons, courts, immigration detention facilities, and health and disability facilities.
This is carried out through a programme of visits to facilities around the country, which may include the preparation of inspection reports.
The inspection role stems from the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Mo te turanga - About the role You will be the team's subject matter expert in relation to analysis of law and evidence, as well as reporting style, format and consistency.
You will also be the primary liaison for the team with other staff who contribute to our OPCAT reporting, including legal, practice and communications advisors.
You will be part of a friendly and collaborative environment where our people enjoy interesting and challenging work and are passionate about what they do.
Reporting to the Manager Reporting, Analysis and Programme Support, you will analyse and translate inspection findings into reports, in consultation with inspectors and advisors.
You will analyse and distil key points from large and diverse information sources, taking care to understand context and balance different perspectives, while applying a strong human rights lens.
You will work closely with the wider OPCAT team to interpret evidence and facts to assess compliance with law, policy and procedure, and apply best practice methodology and criteria relevant to national and international law.
Consistency, collaboration and preventive approach will be important on writing and production of reports.
You will on occasion participate in visits and inspections to places of detention in order to understand the context and environment He korero mou – About you To be successful in this role you will have: * Relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public or administrative law or related discipline; * Exceptional written and oral communication skills including demonstrated exceptional report writing ability; * The ability to express complex and controversial ideas and information to a range of different audiences, both in writing and verbally; * Excellent analytical skills, and an ability to ensure key legal and evidential issues are addressed appropriately; * Ability to build relationships and gain support and participation of key internal stakeholders; * Demonstrated understanding of relevant national and international law, standards and best practice; * Proven ability to recognise and understand key Maori, disability and other cultural and human rights concepts; * Experience as a team player who contributes to a positive team dynamic and works as part of a cohesive and collaborative office; and * Willing and able to undertake occasional travel around New Zealand as required.
Te painga o te mahi tahi me matou - Our benefits, what we offer Becoming part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding.
Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.
* Genuine career progression opportunities and professional development through training and mentoring by senior members of your team.
* Flexible working options * Competitive remuneration * Two extra Annual Leave days after 12 months of employment * Onsite gym and personal trainer, free to all employees * Three paid office holidays between Christmas and New Year * Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Me pehea te tono - How to apply To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' button where you will need to register through our online career centre, complete our application form and upload your CV and cover letter.
For further information about this vacancy please email ******.
All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand.
Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and may be required to achieve and maintain a NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.
The Office of the Ombudsman encourages and supports all our workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The current position of the Office however, does not require COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of this role.
Please note that the Office may, if a risk assessment identifies the need, introduce a vaccination requirement for managing an epidemic.
As the Ombudsman's role is to provide "fairness for all" New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders from all walks of life.
We value your individuality and how you can contribute to our team.
We encourage applicants from all walks of life.
Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $91,878 and $120,589 with $114,847 being the midpoint.
Applications close 5pm 28 January 2025