Senior Project Manager, Disability Capability

Role overview

This is a key fixed-term position based in Wellington, supporting the Disability Programme through to 30 June 2027. The role sits within Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children and focuses on strengthening disability capability across the organisation.

About the organisation

Oranga Tamariki is committed to placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its work. Its guiding values include putting children first, leading with aroha, respecting mana, acting with integrity and truth, valuing whakapapa, and recognising that wellbeing is an ongoing journey. The ministry is also dedicated to helping make New Zealand the best place in the world for children and to working in partnership with hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations to support tamariki in need.

About the programme

The Disability Strategy was developed through broad engagement with disabled communities, including tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people, care-experienced young people, iwi, and whānau. In September 2025, the leadership team approved a dedicated programme to implement the strategy and improve how the organisation responds to the rights and needs of tamariki, rangatahi, parents, and caregivers.

The programme is designed to improve practice and services, strengthen disability data and insights, lift capability across the workforce, and enhance advocacy for change across the children’s and disability systems.

Role purpose

The Senior Project Manager for the Capability workstream will lead the rollout and long-term embedding of foundational disability training for all staff. The position also involves creating and delivering further capability resources and support, and continuing to build a resource kete for caregivers of disabled tamariki and rangatahi. The role provides strategic leadership to ensure disability inclusion is embedded in organisational practice, systems, and culture.

The ministry is looking for someone whose approach to the role is informed by lived experience of disability.

What you will bring

You will need deep understanding of the disability sector and different disability models, ideally supported by experience in the public sector, frontline service settings, or similarly complex organisations. You should also have a clear connection with the disability community and practical experience creating disability-focused capability products and communications.

Strong project and programme management capability is essential, along with the ability to deliver end-to-end change in a complex environment. The role also calls for strategic judgement, analytical thinking, financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis, and high-level stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Success in this position will also depend on your ability to work across business, operational, and technology settings, build effective collaboration, and produce strong project documentation and reporting. An understanding of tikanga Māori, Pacific perspectives, and cross-cultural practice is also important.

What’s on offer

You will join a supportive and energetic team with flexible working options and a strong commitment to wellbeing. The organisation values diversity and aims to create an inclusive, respectful workplace. This is an opportunity to apply your experience to improve outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

The role is part of a step-based pay system with annual progression based on tenure and experience. The starting annual salary is between $125,926 and $139,459, depending on experience.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online with a CV and covering letter. Current Oranga Tamariki employees should apply using their work email login.

The recruitment process is designed to be accessible and equitable. Support can include NZSL interpreters, help with mobility and transport needs, accessible meeting rooms and online options, and adjustments to the application or interview process if requested.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Candidates should also be aware of the organisation’s code of conduct, which sets expectations for staff and requires people to attend work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.