Programme Change Lead - Disability

About Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

Oranga Tamariki is dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of tamariki and rangatahi, guided by values such as putting tamariki first, embracing aroha (love), respecting mana (dignity), upholding tika and pono (justice and truth), valuing whakapapa (genealogy), and recognizing that oranga (well-being) is a continuous journey. The organization is committed to making New Zealand the best place for children and collaborates with hapū, iwi, and Māori organizations to find solutions for tamariki in need.

Role Overview

The Disability Programme was developed through meaningful engagement with a variety of stakeholders, including tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled individuals, care-experienced youth, iwi, and whānau. Endorsed by Te Riu leadership team in September 2025, this Programme aims to implement a strategy focused on enhancing practices and services, improving disability data and insights, building staff capability, and advocating for systemic change to address the needs and rights of tamariki, rangatahi, parents, and caregivers with disabilities.

The Programme Change Lead is entrusted with guiding and coordinating the delivery of programme change initiatives, ensuring a clear understanding of interrelations among the diverse initiatives and their connections to external related work. They play a crucial role in fostering a cohesive narrative about the programme's impact and support organizational capability building, embedding new working methods, and securing the intended benefits.

The ideal candidate will bring lived experience of disability and a deep understanding of the disability sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate delivery of complex programme change initiatives within the Disability Programme.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive view of how various programme initiatives interconnect and relate to external activities.
• Promote organizational capability development for change and embed new ways of working to ensure programme benefits are realized.
• Create an environment conducive to project success while contributing to overall programme goals.

Candidate Requirements

• Substantial knowledge of disability sector and disability models, with experience in public sector or similarly complex frontline service settings.
• Strong connection to the disability community with experience designing and delivering disability-focused capability building and communication materials.
• Proven expertise in change management, including impact assessments, strategy development, and facilitating change adoption and benefits realization.
• Ability to design and implement change initiatives that support individuals and teams through organizational transformations.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills able to build trust and influence across various organizational levels including senior leadership.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for clear conveyance of complex information.
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on programme, project, and change progress, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.

What We Offer

This role offers a dynamic and supportive team environment, flexible work arrangements, and a strong commitment to employee well-being. The organization values diversity and inclusion and seeks to work respectfully with all individuals. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute skills and experience to the welfare of tamariki and rangatahi.

Additional Information

• Location: Wellington, onsite.
• Fixed Term Contract until 30 June 2027.
• Oranga Tamariki provides supports for accessibility and equity in recruitment, including NZ Sign Language interpreters, mobility and transport assistance, accessible meeting options, and adjustments to the process upon request.
• Applicants with lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply.
• Code of conduct requires employees to be free from drug and alcohol influence during work.
• Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 20 August 2026.