Principal Advisor Akl Island Eradication Readiness, Fixed Term

Enable our Auckland Islands Eradication Project.
Once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of a world-first conservation project.
Fixed term opportunity- Wellington or Christchurch locations.

Our vision:
Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.
Are you ready to make a significant impact on New Zealand's conservation efforts?
We are looking for a visionary influencer to initiate preparations for the Auckland Islands Eradication Project. This is your chance to drive a groundbreaking initiative and help protect one of our most precious ecosystems.
Eradication of pigs, mice, and feral cats from Auckland Island is the final step in over 30 years of investment, research, and innovation in restoring the New Zealand subantarctic World Heritage area. Set to be one of the largest pest eradication projects in history, it is groundbreaking in scale and complexity, anticipated to take 8 years and $78m. It represents a rare opportunity for a world facing a biodiversity crisis and would complete the vision of a pest-free New Zealand Subantarctic Area.
DOC will plan and deliver this project with our Treaty Partner.
He angitūtanga | About the role
As Principal Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in enabling this work by designing how the project will be setup and managed. Your leadership will be crucial in maintaining momentum and ensuring the successful implementation and future management of this multi-year endeavour.
This is a fixed-term project role until June 2026, based in Wellington or Christchurch. Some travel throughout New Zealand will be required, providing the opportunity to get out and about, work with others, and help protect and restore Aotearoa's unique biodiversity.
The position will focus on:


analysing options and making recommendation to create a fit-for-purpose operating environment for the implementation of the multi-year eradication project
establishing systems for accounting and financial management, governance, asset management, and securing support staff and services; this may require bespoke solutions
helping secure Crown funding, developing required Business Case, developing the Project Management Plan, designing and implementing the organisational structure and delivery approach for the eradication project.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Experience working with Treasury and/or large, complex and projects.
Ability to lead the development of internal collaboration opportunities for the project.
Ability to engage with DOC senior leaders to raise awareness and secure cross-organisational support for the project.

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


Highly developed analytical skills and appreciation of the nuances involved in developing and implementing workable solutions to ambiguous and complex problems.
Strong political awareness, judgment, and knowledge of public sector accountability and funding processes.
Ability to influence, lead, and communicate challenges and requirements of the project at a senior level.
Sound understanding of the Department's functions and support systems.
System leadership skills to work across boundaries, drive innovation, and challenge the status quo.
High level of systems design and implementation capability.
Knowledge of project management methodology and processes.

Help us achieve our vision for a pest free New Zealand Subantarctic Area. Join us and be a part of something truly special.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.
The salary range for this position is $108,617 to $137,645 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:
59 pm on Sunday 3 November 2024
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Annie Colebrook, ***
Taupānga | Job reference:
DOC/1826214
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