Director Policyat Department of Conservation206,880 - 284,460 - DOC - ref. e0642323

• Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaThe Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. He angitūtanga | About the roleWe have an ambitious strategy focused on improving conservation outcomes. The Policy group works across a range of policy, regulatory, and funding issues to achieve better outcomes, and to support Ministers with work impacting conservation. We are seeking an exceptional people leader, with a strong policy background, to join our Policy and Regulatory Services Leadership Team to achieve better results for our precious and unique ecosystems, species, heritage and spaces. DOC's roles and responsibilities in relation to these outcomes are broad and deep: managing a third of Aotearoa's land including many places of national significance and a vast network of assets; managing threatened protected species; regulating activities (through concessions and other permissions, RM and Fast Track regimes) that impact wildlife, conservation land, and coastal and marine activities; research and monitoring of biodiversity trends and interventions; and being a large provider and regulator of tourism and recreation services. This is a tier 3 role, leading policy managers. The role is accountable for providing strategic leadership and group management of four policy teams. There are two Directors for the combined policy unit, each leading a set of teams and portfolio issues, and working together to maximise our policy impact, build a strong and positive culture, and develop our policy capability. We are committed to working across the wider group and the Department as one, and with wider Government agencies, to be greater than the sum of our parts. Working in consultation with other government agencies in the Natural Resources sector, you will develop policy advice on conservation and biodiversity matters that are of significance for conservation outcomes and provide support as lead advisor for the Ministers of Conservation and Hunting and Fishing. Current priorities for the Directorate include the Hauraki Gulf marine protection Bill, the replacement of the Wildlife Act, the World Heritage List review, afforestation of Crown land, introducing access charging and implementing the Minister's revenue action plan, Conservation Act concessions and planning reform, RM reform, and improving settings for hunting and fishing.

• General, Policy and Regulatory Services, you will provide an inclusive leadership approach that develops capability through effective career development pathways and opportunities, and effective management of performance.

• experience in regulatory policy, Treaty policy, funding and public finance, are equally relevant.

You'll also bring strong leadership experience with the ability to connect, inspire and take people with you, whilst effectively fostering team wellbeing, cohesion, and a strong delivery focus.

You stand for and are known for robust analysis and high quality advice, and can work effectively across government.Sophisticated stakeholder engagement and relationship skills are essential, combined with successful experience in building influential networks, both internal and external, including with operational colleagues, Ministers and senior officials across Government.

Strong cultural awareness, including an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori, and the ability to lead policy engagement with iwi/Māori, will round off your profile.As Director Policy you are expected to demonstrate: Prior policy leadership experience in a large and complex public sector organization.Proven track record of working with iwi and tangata whenua and on Crown-Māori issues to develop sound policy advice for the Crown, and an understanding of the Treaty settlement context.Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the capability to influence a range of audiences from Ministers and agencies to the New Zealand public.Exceptional people leadership skills coupled with a track record of fostering growth and development.Political savvy and a keen understanding of the machinery of government.

Ability to make sound judgement calls under pressure and lead a highly skilled, multi-faceted team in a fast-paced environment.Willingness to deepen your understanding of te ao Maori, te reo me nga tikanga Māori, and to model being an honourable Treaty partner.

• this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 3 June 2025Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Senior Recruitment Advisor, Emily Blokker, eblokker@doc.govt.nzTaupānga | Job reference: DOC/1859248