Principal Programme Advisor - Risk

About this role

Principal Programme Advisor – Risk (12 month fixed term)

About Us

He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Kia orana , nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.

WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values: 

• Whakakotahi– we are united in a strong purpose 
• Kōrero mai– we engage meaningfully 
• Tiakina mai– we are entrusted with a duty of care 

 

About your team / Ko te tīma

The Risk Programme team plays a key role in strengthening WorkSafe's approach to enterprise risk management. Working closely with leaders and teams across the organisation, we support informed decision-making, enhance risk capability, and help embed a strong risk culture that enables WorkSafe to deliver on its strategic priorities. You'll collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders including senior leaders, Risk and Assurance, People and Capability, and Communications.

 

About the role / Ō te tūranga

This is a unique opportunity to help shape WorkSafe's risk maturity uplift. Working alongside the Risk Lead, this role will play a critical role in delivering three priority streams:

• simplifying and operationalising risk management
• accelerating organisational risk profiling and insight across business groups; and
• supporting assessment of WorkSafe's future Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) capability and technology direction.

The role will work closely with leaders across WorkSafe to strengthen risk ownership and accountability, improve organisational risk insight, and embed practical, fit-for-purpose risk management approaches that support better decision making.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with Wellington as the preferred location.

 

What You'll Do/ Ko tōu ake mahi

• Lead the delivery of key components of WorkSafe's risk maturity uplift programme, embedding fit-for-purpose risk management practices across the organisation
• Develop and facilitate operational risk profiles across business groups, strengthening risk insight, ownership and decision-making
• Review, refine, and simplify risk and assurance processes, guidance, tools, and resources to improve accessibility, understanding, and adoption
• Drive the development of clear risk and assurance accountabilities, including strengthening understanding of risk ownership and the three lines model and embed consistent risk management practices
• Drive stakeholder engagement, learning and risk capability initiatives through training and workshops

 

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu

• Proven experience lifting risk maturity and embedding enterprise risk management practices within complex organisations.
• Experience developing strategic and operational risk profiles and facilitating risk workshops with senior leaders.
• Experience designing practical risk management tools, frameworks, assurance approaches or governance models.
• Knowledge of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) practices, risk systems, or risk technology solutions.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong judgement, adaptability and delivery focus, with the ability to translate strategy into practical and sustainable outcomes.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. 

 

Salary range / Awhe utu

As part of our remuneration framework, the expected appointment salary range is $130,588 - $144,295. (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional).

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• 15 days sick leave
• A Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make – your mahi matters
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tū Rangatira Māori Network)

 

How to apply / Me pēhea te tono

Click Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.

AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.

Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.

WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

If you encounter accessibility barriers in completing the application or require adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you, contact careers@worksafe.govt.nz for a confidential kōrero.

WorkSafe is currently working through the implementation of Kia Rangatū. During this time, affected kaimahi will be given preference for all vacancies and will be considered in the first instance.

Applications close: 11.59pm, Friday, 9 October 2026