Senior Project Manager, Disability Data

About the organisation

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is focused on placing tamariki and rangatahi at the centre of its work. The organisation is guided by values that emphasise prioritising children, compassion, respect, integrity, whakapapa, and the understanding that oranga is an ongoing journey. It is committed to helping make New Zealand the best place in the world to grow up, and to working alongside hapū, iwi, and Māori organisations to deliver the right support for tamariki who need it.

About the opportunity

This is a pivotal fixed-term role supporting the Disability Programme in Wellington, with the assignment running until 30 June 2027. The programme was created after broad engagement with the disability community, including tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled people, care-experienced young people, iwi, and whānau. Endorsed by Te Riu in September 2025, it is intended to strengthen how the organisation responds to disability needs and protects the rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents, and caregivers.

The programme’s focus includes improving day-to-day practice and services, strengthening disability data and insight, building capability across kaimahi, and improving advocacy for change across both the children’s system and the disability system.

Role purpose

The Senior Project Manager, Disability Data will lead the embedding of disability data capability into systems, performance processes, and organisational ways of working. This involves providing specialist leadership across data and technology, converting business needs into practical technical requirements, and ensuring disability considerations are built into both the case management platform and performance systems. Working closely with Practice teams, the role also develops usable guidance and supports implementation so disability-informed data can be applied consistently and sustainably across the organisation.

The organisation is seeking someone whose approach is informed by lived experience of disability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the integration of disability data capability into organisational systems, performance measures, and operational processes.
• Translate business requirements into clear technical specifications and practical implementation plans.
• Ensure disability-related needs are reflected in the case management system and performance reporting tools.
• Partner with Practice teams to create guidance and support consistent adoption of disability-informed data practices.
• Drive implementation across a complex programme environment involving multiple workstreams and stakeholders.
• Support improvement in disability practice, service delivery, insights, and organisational capability.

What you will bring

• A strong link to the disability community, whether through lived experience, professional practice, or community engagement.
• Sound understanding of the disability sector, including data and evaluation frameworks, models, and established best practice.
• Experience working in Oranga Tamariki or in a similar public sector or frontline service setting.
• Background in delivering large, complex transformation work within data and technology environments.
• Advanced ability in programme and project planning, tracking, and financial oversight.
• Proven skill in coordinating several projects at once within a broader programme structure.
• Demonstrated capability to lead change end to end in complex organisations, especially technology change for frontline users and implementation of data frameworks.
• Strong strategic judgement, supported by analysis such as financial modelling and cost-benefit assessment.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and leadership skills, including the ability to bring together varied perspectives and produce high-quality presentations and project outputs.
• Understanding of cross-cultural practice, including tikanga Māori and Pacific perspectives, and the ability to apply that understanding in programme delivery.

What’s on offer

You’ll join a supportive and energetic team, with flexible working options and a strong focus on wellbeing. The organisation values diversity and aims to create an inclusive, respectful environment. This role offers the chance to apply your expertise to improve the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Remuneration is step-based, with annual progression linked to tenure. The salary range for this role starts at $125,926 and goes up to $139,459 per annum, depending on experience.

Application process

Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter online. Existing Oranga Tamariki employees must apply using their Oranga Tamariki email login.

Internal secondment options may be available. If you are considering a secondment, you should speak with your direct manager or People and Performance Partner before applying.

The recruitment process is designed to be accessible and equitable. Support can include NZSL interpreters, mobility and transport assistance, accessible meeting spaces, online options, and adjustments to the application or interview process on request.

Disabled applicants are encouraged to apply and are welcome to discuss any support needs during the process.

Additional information

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 15 July 2026.

Applicants should also be familiar with the organisation’s code of conduct, which sets expectations for kaimahi and requires attendance at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.