Current Vacancies

Te whiwhinga mahi - The opportunity

The new Sport Integrity Commission is being established to deliver a safer and fairer sport and recreation experience for all. The Commission will formally commence operations on 1 July 2024 with a focus on participant protection (including protection against discrimination), child safeguarding, anti-doping, anti-competition manipulation, anti-corruption, and organisational culture. Drug Free Sport NZ is considered a high performing entity, and its anti-doping functions and powers will need to be seamlessly folded into the Commission upon establishment, along with the strong integrity capability-build work currently undertaken by Sport NZ.

In addition to providing advice and education, the Commission will advocate for integrity and be empowered to establish and enforce codes, including a national code for sport and recreation, as well as rules relating to integrity and fair competition. Adoption of the code and rules will be voluntary, and the Commission will work with organisations to encourage their uptake and effective implementation.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi - About this role

The Chief Executive is a critical new leadership role accountable for setting up and delivering a reputable, integrated, and sustainable Sport Integrity Commission for New Zealand. Working in partnership with the Commission Board, the Chief Executive is responsible for strategically leading the Commission to fulfil its statutory and regulatory obligations under the Integrity Sport and Recreation Act and the Crown Entities Act and meeting expectations as set by the respective Minister and Government of the day.

With overall responsibility for the performance, reputation and development of the Commission, the Chief Executive works closely with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to ensure the Commission has a clear strategy in place and that short to long-term business plans are developed and delivered to achieve outcomes.

The inaugural Chief Executive has a significant mandate, encompassing various crucial responsibilities. Transitioning existing high performing anti-doping and integrity capability-build functions (from DFSNZ and Sport NZ), building new functional and service capabilities, fostering a cohesive organisational culture, and leading the vision for the Commission all require a leader who is adept at navigating complexity and driving change.

The role requires a respected leader able to engage with diverse groups to merge and develop existing and new functions, while also spearheading a persuasive campaign to rally support for a new code of conduct across the sector.

Ko wai koe - About you

To be successful in this role you will have significant senior leadership experience with a focus on organisational strategy, performance, and delivery, ideally from within the Sport, Integrity, Justice, Law and/or Recreation sectors. You will also have a solid knowledge and understanding of the current anti-doping environment and sport integrity priorities, including statutory and regulatory imperatives.

Balancing the integration process with the task of engaging organisations to voluntarily adopt the code, demands a leader who is not only strategic and diplomatic, but also empathetic and proactive in addressing challenges while promoting change. You will be a master communicator, collaborator, and relationship-builder with the confidence to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and address any obstacles that may arise.

Additionally, you will bring a strong knowledge and a deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with proven ability in applying Te Tiriti principles in a meaningful way. You will also have a competency with Te Ao Māori, Tikanga, and Te Reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.

This unique multifaceted role is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an exceptional leader to drive the vision of a safe and fair sport and recreation experience for all New Zealanders. If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply now.