Our small but perfectly formed Service Design team is growing. We have important mahi to do and to get the job done we need innovators, sense makers, storytellers and collaborators. We are seeking an experienced Service Design Lead to drive various programmes, initiatives and projects that align with organisational priorities, policy changes and service delivery outcomes.
Mō mātou | About us
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:
- We put Tamariki first
- We believe Aroha is vital
- We respect the Mana of people
- We are Tika and Pono
- We value Whakapapa
- We recognise that Oranga is a journey
We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.
About the team
Based within the Enabling Communities Group, we are responsible for child and human-centred design across Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children. As rōpū, we are committed to
- Forming partnerships with communities to support locally led responses that enable tamariki and whānau to thrive.
- Working across government agencies to achieve policy or service delivery outcomes.
- Investing at the local level - supporting the aspirations of communities.
- Amplifying the voices of tamariki, whānau, hapū and iwi and ensuring they influence strategy, policy, practice, and operations across our organisation.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
Working alongside our existing designers and teams you will champion design thinking within our team and across a range of internal and external projects and initiatives. You will be an innovative thinker with a passion for user-centred design and design thinking.
You will apply your technical expertise and a blend of methodologies, incorporating both Western and Indigenous perspectives, to design culturally responsive and fit-for-purpose solutions that address a variety of service challenges and opportunities.
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Significant, hands-on experience in design thinking and tangata centered design and will have designed services that have been implemented in the real world.
- Significant experience doing and leading others through the design process from concept through to implementation.
- Experience facilitating participatory design processes in place.
- The ability to see the big picture but also zoom in and focus on specific pieces of the puzzle.
- Demonstrated experience leading the development of service concepts, blueprints and other artefacts to help communicate experience and delivery requirements.
- Expert level communication and storytelling skills where you can take ideas and share them with a variety of audiences so that everyone 'gets it'.
- Tried and tested tools and frameworks to balance user, legislation, business and technology requirements and the experience required coach clients and stakeholders through this.
- Understanding and experience working in and with the machinery of government - ideally in operational environments.
- Expert level skill at building and maintaining relationships with all sorts of people both inside and outside the organisation.
- Strong ability to advocate, negotiate, and diplomatically challenge things that are not tika or pono.
- Demonstrated experience in growing and coaching others and developing their serviced design practice, tools and skills.
- You will be an experienced practitioner who can provide pragmatic, tactical advice and guidance as well as keeping your eye on emerging and/or best practice design techniques and facilitating opportunities to increase knowledge and skills across the design practice.
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $147,010 and $162,887 dependant on experience, with annual tenure-based progression steps available above this range. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.
If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz
Hurry as applications for this role close on Wednesday 2nd April 2025!
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.
