Manager, Rights, Insights and Advice

Mō mātou | About us

Mana Mokopuna - Children and Young People's Commission is an independent advocate for all 1.2 million mokopuna aged under 18 in Aotearoa, and care-experienced mokopuna aged up to 25.

As a Commission, we advocate for children's rights to be recognised and upheld, provide advice and guidance to government and other agencies, advocate for system-level change, ensure children's voices are heard in decisions that affect them and monitor places where mokopuna are deprived of their liberty. 

Our name, Mana Mokopuna, describes who we are and what we stand for. Understanding mana is central to us at the Commission. The word ‘mokopuna’ comes from two parts – moko (tattoo or blueprint) and puna (spring of water). This recognises that children are the blueprint of their ancestors.

At our heart, we recognise the many elements that support mokopuna to thrive and acknowledge that they are unique individuals, existing within the context of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and wider community. We recognise that mokopuna participation in decisions that affect them is vitally important.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Manager Rights, Insights and Advice is a newly created role on our leadership team that will work closely with the Executive Director and Chief Children’s Commissioner, providing strategic advice and oversight to ensure effective advocacy for the mokopuna of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Leading a team of 11 talented and passionate kaimahi, the Manager will be responsible for developing and driving a high-impact work programme and overseeing functions that promote and advance the rights, interests, and wellbeing of Mokopuna in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The role is responsible for leading strategic planning that advances systemic change across policies, practices, and decision-making, to uphold the rights and wellbeing of mokopuna and particularly mokopuna Māori and their whānau, hapū, iwi and communities.

The role is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced leader who is dedicated to upholding children’s rights and contributing to an Aotearoa where all mokopuna can live their best lives.

With expertise in strategic advocacy and work programme planning, you will be strong in your ability to build and develop an inclusive, high performing team.

Key skills and experience:

• A strong people leader, ideally with experience managing a policy or advocacy focused team
• Deep commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and demonstrated experience in the application of Te Tiriti based practice
• Expertise in strategic work programme planning and advocacy
• Proficiency in Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, or a commitment to broadening knowledge in these areas
• Understanding of relevant legislation, policy, systems, and practice affecting mokopuna
• Sound judgment and ability to respond calmly under pressure.

Me pehea te tono | To apply

If you are passionate about advocating for the rights and wellbeing of mokopuna and possess the skills and experience required for this role, please submit your cover letter and resume via the ‘apply now’ button by the closing date of 5pm, Wednesday 26 March.

For more information or a confidential discussion contact:

• Jane Temel, Director, Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 or email jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz
• Rebecca Berney, Principal Consultant, Niche Recruitment on 021 500 763 or email Rebecca.berney@nicherecruitment.co.nz