Senior Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor - mutiple positions

• Help shape the future of Treaty partnerships and conservation outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Salary range between $93,656 - $126,500 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent role, multiple positions. Wellington location preferred.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We have a new DOC Treaty Operating Model that will strengthen how we work with Treaty partners and bring greater clarity to expectations, roles, and accountability across the organisation. This makes it an exciting time to join our Iwi Strategy and Group Partnerships.  

As a Senior Iwi Strategy and Partnerships Advisor, you will lead and contribute to initiatives that support DOC's Treaty and iwi partnership responsibilities. Working alongside the Iwi Strategy & Partnerships group, and colleagues across the organisation, you will provide strategic advice, support meaningful engagement with iwi, hapū and whānau, and contribute to programmes that embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi across DOC's work. These roles offer the opportunity to work at the intersection of conservation, Crown-Māori relations, public policy and organisational strategy, helping DOC strengthen its role as an honourable Treaty partner.

We currently have multiple opportunities available across different teams including Relationships and Engagement, Monitoring and Assurance, Capability Development, and Strategy and Policy (which directly supports the Deputy Director-General). Candidates will be considered for the team that best matches their skills, experience, and strengths.

You will;

• Provide strategic and operational advice on Treaty partnerships and iwi engagement.

• Lead and coordinate projects, programmes and workstreams that strengthen DOC's partnership approach.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including iwi, hapū, whānau and key partners.

• Support the implementation of the Treaty Operating Model.

• Prepare high-quality Treaty policy advice, analysis and recommendations for senior leaders.

• Support engagement planning, hui, wānanga and cross-agency initiatives.

• Monitor progress, identifying risks and opportunities, and driving continuous improvement.

The Senior Advisor role that sits with the Strategy and Policy team provides direct support to the Deputy Director-General. This role has a stronger strategic focus and will play a key role in advancing organisational priorities through high-level advisory support, strategic coordination, executive reporting, and cross-functional collaboration. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys operating in a fast-paced environment and influencing senior decision-making.

Click here for Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for people who combine strong strategic thinking with the ability to build trusted relationships and deliver practical outcomes.

You will bring some or all of the below:

• A strong understanding and experience of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and application in public sector environments.

• Experience using data to help develop monitoring and assurance frameworks that strengthen accountability and support informed decision making

• Knowledge of Treaty settlement redress and its implications for conservation and Crown-Māori relationships.

• Experience working with and alongside iwi, hapū and whānau in kaupapa Māori settings.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear advice.

• Experience leading projects, workstreams or organisational initiatives.

• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience working alongside and advising and influencing senior leaders in a large organisation.

• The ability to work collaboratively, navigate complexity, and influence outcomes across a diverse organisation.

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.

Want to know more?

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.

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.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.  This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at [email protected].