Senior Advisor - Planning & Projects (1-year fixed term)at Parliamentary Counsel Office114,291 - 139,689
We play a central stewardship role in the legislative system and support the Government of the day to make well‑informed legislative decisions.We are looking for an experienced Senior Advisor - Planning & Projects to join our Organisational Strategy, Risk and Assurance group on a fixed‑term basis.
This 1 year fixed‑term role has a clear focus on supporting the embedding of sustainable planning and project practices that will endure beyond the term.This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working and building relationships across the organisation to help strengthen organisational planning maturity, enable great delivery, and support leaders to translate strategy into practical, well‑sequenced plans.About the roleThis is a senior advisory role that supports and strengthens PCO's organisational planning, delivery discipline and project practices.You will support the facilitation of PCO's planning cycle and look to continuously improve the connection between strategy, ongoing work programmes and delivery.
You will also support project and initiative delivery by helping embed practical tools and frameworks that improve portfolio visibility, governance and assurance. You will provide well‑reasoned, practical advice that supports prioritisation, realistic sequencing and risk‑aware decisions across both BAU and project delivery.This fixed‑term role has a clear focus on building enduring capability.Over the term, you will help embed fit‑for‑purpose planning and project practices, including the PCO's project complexity model, assurance approaches, and repeatable tools and guidance, so they are well understood, consistently applied, and sustained beyond the role.Key responsibilitiesThis role provides advice, facilitation and coaching to support organisational planning and delivery and works within established frameworks and accountabilities.You will:Support organisational planning by supporting the business to consider realistic sequencing, clear ownership and meaningful performance measures.Enable planning and delivery maturity across the organisation through hands‑on support, coaching and facilitation that helps leaders translate strategy into practical, well‑governed delivery plans.Implement and evolve PCO's project framework, including developing templates that are practical, proportionate and fit for purpose.Strengthen governance, assurance and portfolio visibility by embedding pragmatic monitoring, risk and benefits practices.Build strong relationships and influence outcomes by working confidently with ELT, Tier 3 leaders, project sponsors and managers, teams and external partners.Contribute to continuous improvement and stewardship, including lessons learned, risk‑informed decision‑making, and support for PCO's commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and growing confidence in te ao Māori.About youYou are a confident senior advisor who enjoys working in complex environments and influencing outcomes across an organisation.Strong judgement, systems thinking and the ability to quickly understand context, trade‑offs and delivery risk.
You are comfortable facilitating planning discussions, challenging assumptions constructively, and helping leaders turn strategic intent into clear, achievable delivery pathways.To be successful, you will have:Senior advisory experience in NZ Government planning, performance or reporting roles.Including a tertiary qualification in Business, Project Management or equivalent experience.Experience of supporting and planning project and BAU activities, alongside a sound understanding of governance, assurance and risk.Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complexity into clear, plain‑English advice for senior audiences.Well-developed relationship‑building and influencing capability.Why join us?At PCO, our work sits at the heart of New Zealand's legislative system.
We offer challenging, meaningful work in a small, collaborative organisation where your contribution is visible and valued.This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving how the PCO plans, prioritises and delivers its work, influencing outcomes at a systemically important agency at the centre of government.You will work closely with senior leaders, help lift organisational capability, and leave behind improvements that make a lasting difference for Aotearoa.How to applyFor more information about working at the PCO, as well as the job description, please visit our careers page www.pco.govt.nz/careers-at-the-pco.All applications must include a cover letter telling us why you are suitable for the role, and a CV emailed to: recruitment@pco.govt.nz.Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date.
Early application is encouraged.Applications close: 5pm Wednesday 22 April 2026.