Senior Advisor Regional Partnerships and Investment

• Be part of a newly established team shaping how DOC grows investment into conservation

• Influence real-world outcomes, including Predator Free landscape projects and priority regional initiatives

• Permanent opportunity, Auckland/ Christchurch based location

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

This is your chance to be part of increasing regional investment in conservation and making a visible difference on the ground.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to help grow investment in conservation and contribute to meaningful outcomes for nature, communities and future generations.

The Department of Conservation’s Regional Partnerships and Investment (RPI) team, works alongside regional operations teams to identify opportunities, build partnerships and attract investment that delivers conservation impact. The team provides regions with tailored advice, tools and expertise to help unlock funding and support opportunities that align with local conservation priorities.

As a Senior Advisor- Regional Partnerships and Investment, you'll work at the intersection of conservation, partnerships and commercial thinking. You'll collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop compelling investment opportunities, establish enduring partnerships and support decision-making that delivers measurable benefits for both conservation and partners.

Working across a diverse portfolio, you'll help secure support from iwi, businesses, philanthropic organisations, community groups and other organisations that share a commitment to protecting and restoring nature.

The position will be focused on:

• Identifying and progressing new investment and partnership opportunities that support regional conservation priorities

• Working closely with regional operational teams to develop projects and initiatives that attract external investment

• Developing clear and compelling business cases, proposals and value propositions

• Building trusted relationships with iwi, businesses, philanthropic organisations, NGOs and community partners

• Applying commercial and strategic thinking to assess opportunities, impact and return on investment

• Providing quality advice and insights to regional leaders to support planning, prioritisation and performance

• Monitoring and evaluating outcomes to ensure investment delivers measurable conservation benefits

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You'll be a relationship-focused professional who combines commercial acumen with strong stakeholder engagement skills. You'll be comfortable working across complex environments, identifying opportunities and translating ideas into practical outcomes.

you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience developing, managing or growing partnerships, investment opportunities, funding programmes or stakeholder relationships

• Strong business development, commercial or strategic planning capability

• Experience developing proposals, business cases, funding applications or investment plans

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret information and provide clear, evidence-based advice

• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and navigate competing priorities

• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work

Desirable:

• Experience in investment attraction, philanthropy, commercial partnerships or venture development

• Knowledge of emerging investment models, including nature finance and impact investment

• Experience working in or alongside the public sector, environmental sector or conservation-related organisations

Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, we still encourage you to apply.

Click here for the position description.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Staff benefits: Working at DOC

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted for interview.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $93,656–$126,500, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Christine Officer at [email protected]