Principal Adviser Pasifika Capability - National Office

• Are you driven to contribute to meaningful, long‑term improvements for Pasifika communities?
• Do you bring the expertise to lead Pasifika cultural capability uplift across a large, national organisation?
• Can you embed Pasifika perspectives into staff development and organisational practice?
• Have you championed cultural learning that genuinely reflects and upholds Pasifika values?

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Principal Adviser Pasifika Capability, you will lead the development and implementation of Pasifika cultural capability initiatives across Ara Poutama Aotearoa. Working within the Pasifika team and alongside the Cultural Capability and Capability functions, you'll ensure Pasifika perspectives are embedded throughout staff development programmes. This role is key to designing and influencing learning that builds authentic cultural understanding and supports a culturally responsive organisation.

You'll also:

• Develop a Pasifika Cultural Capability Framework aligned with organisational priorities
• Embed Pasifika perspectives into capability frameworks and learning pathways
• Support facilitators and learning designers to deliver culturally appropriate content
• Build relationships with Pasifika communities, external providers and sector partners
• Advocate for Pasifika capability uplift and track progress through meaningful metrics
• Collaborate across teams to ensure an integrated approach to cultural capability

If you want to find out more about working with us, please click here.

Mōu | About you

You're a culturally grounded leader with a strong connection to Pasifika communities and a passion for building inclusive, culturally capable workplaces. You bring strategic thinking, relationship-building skills, and the ability to influence across all levels of an organisation alongside programme delivery discipline, writing and communication excellence and depth of operational knowledge. You're committed to equity, diversity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and thrive in collaborative environments.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Experience in adult learning design and delivery, with a focus on cultural competency
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Strong cultural connection to and knowledge of diverse Pasifika cultures, languages, and communities
• Proven track record championing Pasifika capability and influencing through cultural knowledge
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Established relationships with Pasifika community groups and staff networks
• Experience leading cultural interventions in large organisations
• High general cultural capability and ability to work with diverse groups
• Ability to operate effectively in Māori cultural settings, including understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo and Tikanga Māori
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent and relevant professional experience

Ngā painga | The benefits

The full salary range is $124,578 - $175,875. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Applications Close 11pm Monday, 13 April 2026.

To apply and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the Pasifika team, highlighting relevant skills, experience and the alignment to our work.

For a confidential discussion you can reach out to the hiring manager Rob Pa'o at robert.pa'[email protected] who is available only until 4 April. Short-listing for this position will start on 20 April 2026.