Vacancy: Functional Chief Executive, Crown Response Office

A Crown Response Office, led by a Functional Chief Executive (Chief Executive), is being established as a branded business unit within the Public Service Commission to support and drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. 

The work of the Crown Response Office is complex and is associated with significant decisions for the Crown. The Crown Response Office has a mandate to lead action across Government agencies, advising on and implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission and ensuring this work is treated with appropriate priority, so that the public service delivers a coordinated, strong and decisive response for survivors. 

We are looking to appoint an individual with senior leadership experience, financial acumen, delivery and policy experience who can hit the ground running. They will ensure that the Government receives high quality advice and is positioned to deliver on commitments to redress and reforms in accordance with Cabinet’s decisions, with a focus on urgency and effectiveness. 

The Chief Executive is responsible for leading, overseeing, coordinating and supporting the Government’s ongoing response to implementing the agreed recommendations by establishing a plan, ensuring relevant organisations play their part, and monitoring agencies’ progress on their actions. 

Given the complexity and sensitivity of the work, the ability of the Chief Executive to work closely with, be respected by, and have the confidence of survivors, their supporters and advocates, Ministers and faith leaders is critical. The Chief Executive will need to demonstrate an understanding of, and empathy for, the survivors’ experiences, acknowledging the challenges they face in trusting systems and personnel connected to past care experiences. 

This new Chief Executive role will be established under the Public Service Act 2020 (section 53) and will be responsible for carrying out a particular function within a department (in this case the Public Service Commission), rather than leading a public service department or departmental agency.  

Anyone who wishes to be considered for this role should send a letter expressing their interest, a summary CV and a completed application form to CErecruitment@publicservice.govt.nz by 8pm on Sunday, 15 September 2024. All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you think you are the right person for this role, an application pack can be downloaded below.

Interviews will be held on Monday, 23 September 2024 in Wellington. They can be attended remotely or in person.