Programme Implementation Director

About Us Mō mātou

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is leading the development of policy and regulatory options relating to childrens online safety measures. This is a highprofile timecritical programme that will inform how Aotearoa New Zealand protects children and young people online.

We are seeking an experiencedProgramme Implementation Director on a 6 month fixed term basisto lead the development and design of an operational model for a potential new regime.

This role sits withinDigital Safety and Identity Investigations (DSII)and reports to theGeneral Manager Digital Safety and Identity Investigations.

The role Te tūnga

This role leads the development of a regulatory model for measures related to childrens online safety. It involves shaping how the service could function in practice and ensuring it could be delivered effectively within the required timeframes.

This will include setting up robust programme governance planning risk management reporting and assurance frameworks ensuring strong oversight clear accountabilities and timely escalation of issues. You will coordinate activity across policy legal technical and operational workstreams ensuring advice and delivery are aligned and mutually reinforcing.

You will lead early engagement key stakeholders to support readiness cooperation and shared understanding of regulatory expectations. The role provides highquality reporting and advice to Ministers and senior executives supporting informed decisionmaking in a highprofile and evolving policy environment.

This is a handson leadership role that demands sound judgement pace and the ability to operate confidently in conditions of ambiguity and public scrutiny.

What you bring Nōu te rourou

• Proven experience leading largescale or complex implementation programmes ideally in a public sector or regulatory context
• Strong understanding of government machinery governance and accountability
• Experience working across policy operational delivery legal and technical domains
• The ability to build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders Ministers and external partners
• A calm pragmatic leadership style with a strong delivery focus
• Experience in digital safety online harm or youthfocused regulatory environments is desirable but not essential

For you Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.

To learn more about the diverse important mahi we do at the Department and see why were a great place to work check out our website -About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits -

To review the full job description please click here.

How to apply Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

Werecommitted to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is anysupport we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

Applications for this role close Friday 1^st May 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions please email