Adviser Cultural Capability

About this role

• Support the design, development and implementation of cultural capability development strategies and initiatives.
• Contribute to ensuring our kaimahi are comfortable to work in ways that acknowledge the place of Te Ao Māori and all cultural approaches in our environments.
• Work in a values led way, that is aligned to contributing to achieving our outcomes
• Location is flexible, open to applications from around the motu.

Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi | There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

At Department of Corrections, Ara Poutama Aotearoa, our success hinges on our people. The People & Capability group actively seeks and supports great talent, fostering a skilled and capable workforce dedicated to delivering positive outcomes for people in prison and the broader community. We support a nationwide diverse team of 10,000 people working in a range of disciplines including custody, community corrections, psychology, nursing and corporate. Our job is to enable them to achieve our strategy, Hōkai Rangi, through the 24/7 services we deliver.

As the Adviser Cultural Capability, you'll play a crucial role in helping our team develop and implement strategies. These strategies will enhance the cultural understanding and effectiveness of management and staff at the regional level, following Ara Poutama Aotearoa's approach to strengthening Māori Crown relations, also known as Whāinga Amorangi across government. Initially, this role will focus on enhancing Māori-specific cultural capability. Over time, it will expand to include other cultures, reflecting Aotearoa's evolving demographics and growing ethnic diversity.

Mōu | About you

You will bring a deep understanding of working with people and the unique challenges faced in their complex working environments. Your background may include valuable custodial or frontline experience, providing you with firsthand insights into the day-to-day realities of our kaimahi. Your comprehensive knowledge of the workings of Ara Poutama Aotearoa and/or the Public Sector will ensure that you are well-equipped to support and enhance the cultural capability of our teams. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Submit your application online and include highlights and examples as to how you meet the below requirements:

• Alignment and connection to working in a values led way
• Knowledge and experience or proven demonstrated support in leading and/or supporting cultural interventions in large organisations.
• Knowledge and skills in Te Reo Māori and Tikanga/kawa, as well as an understanding of Hōkai Rangi and the necessity of cultural capability to support change throughout Ara Poutama Aotearoa.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a wider national team, who are remotely based.
• Demonstrated ability to operational design and delivery that is effective for Māori, Pacific Peoples and other cultures.
• Strong level of general cultural capability and awareness, able to work effectively with diverse groups of people. 

Ngā painga | The benefits

The midpoint of the salary range is $87,132 and the full range (85%-120%) is $74,063- $104,559. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday the 14^th of September.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Sarah.Newbold@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.