Mō mātou | About us
Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner is an independent advocate for all 1.2 million mokopuna in Aotearoa New Zealand, up to the age of 18, and care-experienced young people up to age 25.
As an Independent Crown Entity led by our Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, we advocate for children's rights to be advanced, protected and respected, provide advice and guidance to government and other agencies and hold them accountable for good decisions that affect children and young people, advocate for system-level change, ensure children's voices are heard in decisions that affect them, and monitor places where mokopuna (children and young people) are deprived of their liberty.
Our name, Mana Mokopuna, describes who we are and what we stand for. Understanding mana is central to us at the Commission. The word ‘mokopuna’ comes from two parts – moko (tattoo or imprint) and puna (spring of water). This recognises that all children are the reflection of their ancestors.
We recognise the many elements that support mokopuna to thrive and acknowledge that they are unique individuals, existing within the context of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and wider community. We recognise that mokopuna participation in decisions that affect them is their right and is vitally important, and we hold the highest aspirations for all mokopuna, celebrating mokopuna diversity in all its forms.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
The Manager Strategic Communications and Engagement is a newly created, key leadership position for Mana Mokopuna, reporting to the Executive Director. In this role you will be responsible for developing and delivering a forward-thinking communications and engagement strategy that amplifies the voices of mokopuna and their whānau, builds understanding and support for mokopuna rights, and influences meaningful systemic change for and with mokopuna.
As the manager of the newly formed Strategic Communications and Engagement team, you will be accountable at a strategic and oversight level for organisational stakeholder management and intelligence, mokopuna and community engagement, promotion of mokopuna participation, the development of digital channels, media, design and content creation that supports our advocacy and ensures that mokopuna and a wide range of stakeholders know who the Children’s Commissioner is, and what our role is. The leadership, oversight and assurance that you provide for the team will facilitate high performance while fostering a positive, inclusive environment where kaimahi are empowered to do their best mahi.
Your work will ensure Mana Mokopuna advocacy has increased impact, is aligned to our strategic advocacy aspirations outlined in our Statement of Intent, and focused on advancing the rights, interests, and wellbeing of mokopuna in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
As part of the leadership team, you will contribute to strategic planning and priority setting and leadership across the organisation. You will build strong relationships within government, NGOs, Māori and Pacific communities, and the wider sector to ensure the voices and experiences of mokopuna are heard and acted upon.
He kōrero mōu | About you
You are a strategic leader passionate about positively impacting mokopuna and communities around the motu. With extensive people leadership experience in communications and community engagement, you are known for your ability to build strong, genuine strategic relationships within te ao Māori, Pacific communities, and across a wide range of diverse stakeholders. You are highly practiced and have a proven track record at delivering through others and building teams of people who bring their best to work every day.
Your leadership is grounded in manaaki and centered on kaimahi wellbeing, while being unwavering in the delivery of innovative, high-quality work which ultimately contributes to the moemoeā of Mana Mokopuna – kia kuru pounamu to rongo.
Key skills and experience:
- Proven successful experience in senior leadership roles within community engagement, advocacy, public service or communications-focused organisations
- Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a demonstrated ability to embed its provisions throughout engagement practices, stakeholder management and communications activities
- Proficiency in Te Reo and Tikanga Māori, with the ability and confidence to engage within Te Ao Māori and matatau settings
- Expertise in developing and executing strategic communications and engagement plans on an end-to-end basis providing oversight and direction to others, and evaluating and optimising performance in an agile manner
- Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to influence across diverse sectors and communities, while being practiced at providing fit-for-purpose advice internally often in a fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills
- Proven track record of delivering high quality work through others and building high-performing teams of people
- Relevant tertiary qualification and/or extensive equivalent experience
Me pēhea te tono | To apply
If you are passionate about amplifying the voices of mokopuna and ensuring the Children’s Commissioner’s independent systemic advocacy has increased impact, and if you believe you have the skills and experience to lead our new Strategic Communications and Engagement team, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply via Seek by the closing date of midday, Monday 24 November 2025.
For more information or a confidential discussion, contact:
- Jane Temel, Director, Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 or email jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz