Aporei | Principal Advisor, Capability

* Engage with the Senior Leadership team to design workforce development strategy * Join a collaborative and supportive team who are passionate and results-driven * Full Time, Permanent opportunity based in Te Tari Matua, Pōneke | National Office, Wellington Our Workforce Capability tīma is looking for a Aporei | Principal Advisor, Capability. This role leads the development of Te Puni Kōkiri's enterprise-wide capability framework and workforce development strategy, ensuring people have the skills and pathways needed to meet current and future organisational priorities.
The People, Capability and Culture Directorate leads workforce strategy, organisational development, and HR services to ensure Te Puni Kōkiri has the people, culture, and capability needed to achieve its strategic goals and deliver strong organisational performance.
Te whai wāhitanga | The opportunity The Principal Advisor Capability develops capability frameworks, identifies workforce capability needs, and provides strategic advice to support workforce planning, learning and organisational performance. Key responsibilities include: * Developing and implementing capability frameworks, using job families and role personas. * Identifying current and future capability requirements and skill gaps. * Designing development pathways that support learning, growth and career progression. * Translating organisational priorities into clear capability expectations. * Providing expert advice on capability development, learning design and workforce planning. * Partnering with leaders to address capability needs and support strategic outcomes. * Advising senior leaders on capability priorities, investments and workforce readiness. * Supporting the planning, delivery and evaluation of workforce capability initiatives. The likely appointment range is $124,242 - $138,046, based on skills and experience. The full grade for this role is $124,242 - $165,657 with a mid-point of $138,046.
For more information about the skills and experience required for this position, please see the job description below.
Mōu | About you
You are an established Principal Advisor with government machinery experience. In addition, you will have * strong knowledge of capability frameworks, workforce planning, organisational development, and staff development approaches. * excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively with senior leaders and external partners. * demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, coaching, and guidance, with a strong focus on quality, collaboration, and delivery. Tāu e whai ai | What you will get in return Te Puni Kōkiri is a diverse and rewarding working environment full of passionate kaimahi focused on creating solutions that will help our communities. We are guided by our values of te wero, manaakitanga, he toa takitini and ture tangata. There is more to life than just work and we encourage our kaimahi to maintain the right balance between mahi and their personal lives. Your whānau is just as important as you, so we're committed to providing incentives and opportunities that help our kaimahi and their whānau to thrive, including: * A range of allowances including childcare, optical, hauora/wellbeing and te reo Māori proficiency * Medical insurance discounts * Flexible working options * In house te reo Māori training * Kaimahi development and career options, including study assistance * Enhanced parental leave provisions Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry of Māori Development We are committed to our vision of 'Thriving Whānau' - when whānau are thriving, so do their communities, hapū, iwi and all of Aotearoa. Te Puni Kōkiri leads policy advice to the Government on Māori development, and Iwi and Māori relations with the Crown. Our people are at the heart of the work we do – using our approaches to improve outcomes to, for and with Māori, and to drive our efforts to build an Aotearoa where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong.
Find out more about Our Story
We invite applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enriches our collective strength. Your unique perspectives, skills, and heritage contribute to our mission of advancing Māori aspirations and well-being.  Tono mai | Apply Now!  Ka aukati ngā tono hei te Rāapa 19 Ākuhata 2026 ā te 11.55pm | Applications close on Wednesday 19 August 2026 at 11.55pm.   Tukuna mai tau tono ā-ipurangi | Please submit your application online. Nau mai rā ko ngā tononga i te reo Māori, te reo Pākehā, te reorua rānei | We welcome applications in te reo Māori, English, or both. Īmēratia [email protected] me he pātai āu | Email [email protected] with any pātai. We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: [email protected]