Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Mō 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.
Mō tō mātou tira – About the team
Following a review of the ICT function, the Ombudsman has decided to set up a new Digital and Technology team to lead digital enablement and deliver superior service and support.
While the new Digital and Technology team is small, we don't do this important work alone. We are assisted by a number of external third party providers. This talented team of technology professionals are committed to digital enablement and providing quality advice and support services. It works closely with the other corporate teams, especially the newly established Project Management Office, and the Information & Knowledge Management (IKM) and Security teams.
Our groups' whakatauki is:
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.
Based in central Wellington, the team looks after about 240 staff who work from our Wellington and Auckland offices, their homes and in the field around New Zealand and overseas.
Mō te tūranga - About the role
The Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO) is both strategic and operational in nature. We recognise that this job title doesn't fit neatly with industry standards but we wanted to be clear about the dual nature of the role and the unique opportunity it creates for the right person.
This strategic role focuses on leading the digital strategy, and identifying and embedding technologies to meet the future needs of the Ombudsman's Office. This will be an important priority for the Ombudsman as we evolve our understanding and decide how best to apply augmented technologies such as generative artificial intelligence into our business, while maintaining the integrity of our systems and safety of our information and assets.
A key initial focus for this role will be transitioning to a new way of working and implementing key recommendations from the review, and fostering a positive team culture.
The role needs to build and maintain key relationships with internal stakeholders and monitor and improve the performance of external suppliers.
You'll be supported by a collaborative and cohesive group of corporate managers and their teams, and your own service delivery staff who care about providing quality customer service and improving technology systems for the Ombudsman.
He kōrero mōu – About you
This role would ideally suit someone with extensive experience working in senior level digital technology role; is successful building strong working relationships, internally and externally; confident advising project and governance boards; and has a track record of driving digital transformation programmes and delivering scalable solutions to meet the business needs.
To be successful in this role you will need to have:
- significant experience as a CDO, CTO or CIO level or equivalent
- ability to balance strategic, operational and leadership responsibilities
- demonstrated ability to develop and drive a digital transformation programme
- build strong working relationships with vendors and governance boards
- use information technology and technical architectures to manage complexities and increase organisational agility
- proven experience in vendor and contract management
- a relevant tertiary qualification and/or relevant ICT qualifications
- enjoy working as part of a cohesive and multi-disciplinary leadership team
- ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret security clearance.
Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - Our benefits, what we offer
Becoming part of an exceptional team in a relevant and evolving 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
- Three 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)
- Health checks and eye wear allowances
Me pēhea 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 recruitment@ombudsman.parliament.nz.
All applicants will have a legal entitlement to work in New Zealand. Appointees will be subject to a criminal convictions check and must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret NZ Government (NZSIS) security clearance.
As the Ombudsman's role is to provide “fairness for all” New Zealanders, it is important that our staff represent New Zealanders. We value your individuality and how you can contribute to the work of the Ombudsman and our team. We encourage applicants from all walks of life.
Depending on skills and experience the salary is expected to be between $150,624 to $197,694 with $188,280 being the mid-point.
Please note that the interviews for this role is likely to be scheduled early May 2025. However, applications will be looked at as they are received and you may be invited to discuss your application earlier.
Please note this role is based in Wellington, we are unable to consider 100% remote working for this role.
Applications close 5pm, 25 April 2025