Senior Human Rights Advisor | Kaitohutohu Matua Tika Tangata

• Deliver strategic advocacy, analysis and advice

• Work across a broad range of Human Rights issues

• The salary band for this role is Band 4B: $109,207 to $147,751 p.a.

• Auckland or Wellington based

We are looking for a Senior Human Rights Advisor | Kaitohutohu Matua Tika Tangata to join Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission.

We are:

• A small team with a wide mandate doing meaningful and impactful work

• A values based Te Tiriti-based organisation

• A collaborative and supportive team that provides an opportunity to develop and grow your skills

• An employer that provides very favourable working conditions, focused on employee experience, flexibility, wellbeing and living our values.

Ō mātau uara / Our Values are:

• Mana Tangata – Human Dignity

• Māia, Tika, Pono – Courage and Integrity

• Whanaungatanga – Relationships

Te Kahui Tika Tangata | About the Commission

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national human rights institution. The Commission was created to provide better protection of human rights in Aotearoa. We are committed to supporting a life of dignity for all, and to becoming a Te Tiriti based organisation tauira and human rights exemplar.

The Human Rights Commission was created to provide better protection of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Commission was formed in 1977 and works under the Human Rights Act 1993.

We are funded through the Ministry of Justice but operate independently of the New Zealand Government as an independent Crown Entity.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

Using a Tiriti-based approach, our Senior Human Rights Advisors, in the Commissioner Services Team, support the delivery of strategic advocacy, analysis and research for the promotion of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our advisers provide research and skilled policy analysis to communicate clearly about human rights, and to deliver and manage human rights projects. This role is fast-moving, so you will be adaptable and comfortable operating in an environment that is constantly changing.

As a Senior Human Rights Advisor, you will actively support our Commissioners, collaborating across the Commission and providing necessary information and research on a broad range of human rights issues. This is an action-oriented team who use relevant research and data to engage externally with a broad range of stakeholders including but not limited to government, iwi and hapū, diverse communities, businesses, decision-makers and influencers. Your engagement with key government decision-makers and community leaders will support our Commissioners to do the same.

You will promote human rights through:

• Focused and effective external engagement

• Delivery of strategic advice

• Using research and data to advocate for improving human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand

• Engaging in international monitoring of Aotearoa New Zealand’s implementation of human rights treaties and conventions

• Influencing policy development and legislation.

This role is a generalist human rights role working across a variety of projects, with a focus on Race Relations and supporting the Race Relations Commissioner in their mahi. You will have a confident understanding of a broad range of human rights issues, with experience in advocating for civil, political, economic, cultural, and social rights for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

He kōrero mōu | About you

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• 5+ years experience in related policy or advisory roles within government, independent Crown entities, or comparable human rights organisations. Experience advising a Commissioner, Minister, public official, or senior executive is advantageous.

• A strong grounding in human rights, with a sophisticated understanding of public policy issues, relevant legislation, and community attitudes relating to human rights and race relations in Aotearoa New Zealand -- such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi (indigenous rights), social cohesion trends (harmonious relations), and familiarity with reporting processes such as the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and inquiry reports such as the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the 15 March 2019 Christchurch masjidain terrorist attack.

• Proven ability to develop and deliver advice that can influence leaders and key audiences, advancing human rights objectives, or related areas such as community engagement, community development, education, and advocacy.

• Demonstrated skills in policy advice, community engagement, advocacy, and project or event management on complex, sensitive, or high public interest issues. Including, coordinating across stakeholders and managing competing priorities in complex policy or community contexts within a timely manner.

• Lived experience and/or expertise in one or more of the Commission’s priority areas, particularly race relations, te Tiriti o Waitangi (indigenous rights), equal employment opportunities, and the rights of disabled people, Māori, Pacific Peoples, CALD, ethnic, religious, and Rainbow communities, women, migrants, refugees, children, or older people.

• 5+ years experience, or advanced capability to work effectively, with a wide range of communities, businesses, unions, government agencies, and civil society organisations, using culturally intelligent and respectful stakeholder engagement approaches that align with public service standards and uphold independence from government.

• Established or emerging networks within ethnic, migrant, indigenous, and/or religious communities, including engagement with peak bodies, organisations, and community leaders, would be an advantage.

• An understanding of historical and contemporary issues affecting these communities, and the ability to apply this understanding thoughtfully to current human rights, race relations, and advocacy work.

• 5+ years experience of writing, such as briefings, policy advice, and reports for various audiences from government officials through to culturally diverse community groups, and also inputting into media statements.

• In addition, you will have sophisticated skills in critical analysis, presentation, and communication, be passionate about community engagement and development and have a good understanding of parliamentary and public policy processes.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

We are open to applicants with a broad range of relevant experience.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to fair, merit‑based recruitment. To build a strong and representative workforce, we encourage applications from under-represented groups, including disabled people, and from people with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Please let us know, if any of our processes pose a barrier for you, or there is any support or assistance that would facilitate your participation in the application process. The position description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats and can be provided on request.

Applications will only be accepted via our careers site www.mahi.hrc.nz where you can download a Position Description and an Application form (required with your application for the role)

Please ensure you include the following with your application

• a cover letter

• up-to-date CV

• an application form

If you would like to get in touch with the People and Culture Team at the Human Rights Commission, please email: peopleandculture@tikatangata.org.nz

Please note that we will require referee details when a preferred candidate has been selected.

Applications close Monday, 4 May at 5pm.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.