Principal Advisor to the Deputy Chief Executive

Hourly Rate Contract | Wellington | ASAP Start – March 2027 | Full-Time Preferred

Job Reference: JAA6575

Are you an exceptional Principal Advisor with a talent for cutting through complexity, producing high-quality advice, and operating confidently in a fast-paced executive environment?

We're seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to provide high-level support to a Deputy Chief Executive and leadership team within a public sector agency. This is a hands-on role where you'll work across a broad portfolio, leading critical pieces of work, responding to emerging priorities, and ensuring high-quality advice reaches senior decision-makers.

About the Role

Working to support the Deputy Chief Executive, you'll be a trusted advisor responsible for progressing complex and often time-critical work. You'll quickly get across new issues, distil complex information into clear, concise advice, and produce high-quality briefings, reports and papers for senior leaders and governance groups.

You'll also play an important role in supporting work programme delivery, monitoring risks and priorities, and helping ensure the DCE and leadership team remain focused on strategic outcomes.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience in a Principal Advisor or similar senior advisory role within the New Zealand public sector
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, concise advice
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings, reports, Cabinet-style papers and responses for senior leaders
• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement when working in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence across senior stakeholders
• Experience supporting executive leaders and working confidently with sensitive or high-profile issues
• An understanding of strategic planning, organisational risk, governance and performance reporting would be highly regarded

What's on Offer

• Hourly Rate Contract
• Immediate start (early to mid-August 2026) through to March 2027
• Wellington-based contract opportunity
• Full-time hours preferred (i.e. available across 5 days per week)
• Opportunity to work closely with an executive leader on work that directly supports organisational strategy and decision-making

If you're a highly capable Principal Advisor who enjoys solving complex problems, producing first-class written advice, and making an impact at the executive level, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact us with an updated CV and a short cover letter to info@thejohnsongroup.co.nz quoting job reference JAA6575 for a confidential discussion.