Deputy Director Pacific Justice Sector Programme
Robert Walters
Fulltime opportunity Kia ora, Kia orana, Tālofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō ni, Noa'ia, Halo wantoks, Kaselehila, Ekamawir omo, Yokwe, Apinum, and warm Pacific greetings.
Te āhuatunga a te tūranga | About the Role
The Director of the Pacific Justice Sector Programme (PJSP) is seeking a collaborative, Pasifika- focused leader with senior experience to play a key role supporting the Director to lead an exciting and innovative Pacific-led programme, and to support the progression of a business case process for the next planned iteration of the programme.
The PJSP is a multi-jurisdictional regional initiative, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), to enhance justice systems across 15 Pacific partner countries from the sub-regions of Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. It is guided by the Pacific Chief Justices' 15-member Leadership Forum, which includes Aotearoa New Zealand's Rt Hon Dame Chief Justice Winkelmann in her capacity as Chief Justice of Tokelau. Since its inception in 2021, PJSP has worked to promote accessible, fair, just, responsive and efficient justice systems that contribute towards supporting a stable, prosperous, and resilient Pacific region.
The programme encompasses a wide range of services and activities spanning judicial education, litigation skills, professional development, court efficiency and technical training, through to enhancing human rights and gender and family violence responsiveness. Building and enhancing regional partnerships throughout the Pacific region is also a focus, while the specialised Ina’ilau component of the programme focuses on improving access to justice for women and children in the Pacific.
As Deputy Director you would need to bring real world experience in building effective and enduring relationships in a genuinely inclusive Pacific context. You will have strong experience at the senior leadership level, both in the provision of high quality strategic and operational advice and support, and preferably in a justice sector or Pacific context.
You will work closely with the Director to assist with leading a small and dedicated hands-on team of subject matter experts to engage with Pacific partner country Chief Justices, courts and other justice sector stakeholders to provide tailored support, including resources, training, and professional development opportunities to help address country-specific, and regional, Pacific needs.
He pūkenga tou | Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will have:
- Experience in successfully delivering a multi-faceted and complex work programme, preferably within a justice sector or Pacific context.
- The ability to “hit the ground running” in support of the development of a business case for the next phase of the programme.
- Experience in providing timely and high quality strategic and operational advice at the senior leadership level, preferably within a justice sector or Pacific context.
- A proven track record in developing enduring relationships of trust and confidence with senior stakeholders and governance entities, prioritising a Pacific context.
- Demonstrated ability to role model Pacific best practice by facilitating and delivering high quality, culturally appropriate and co-designed solutions.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative responses to sensitive, complex and diverse issues.
- Superior written and oral communication skills and a reputation for communicating with clarity.
- Demonstrated understanding of the judiciary and justice sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand and/or the Pacific.
- A proven commitment to working under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working with Māori, Pacific Peoples and other ethnicities and cultures.
- A law degree
Utu ā-tau | Salary
The remuneration band for this role is $129,129 - $179,192. The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.
Tono mai | How to Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on Friday 7th November 2025, however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact matthew.drake@robertwalters.co.nz
Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Matthew Drake on +6444719709.
