Jessie Johnson Smith
Taita,WGN
Summary
I am an experienced public sector professional adept at fostering strategic relationships and facilitating collaboration.
I am committed to upholding values of aroha, respect for whakapapa, and the preservation of mana and wairua in all endeavors.
I am dedicated to advocating for integrity and empowerment within the workplace, with a track record of fostering collaborative relationships and delivering impactful results.
I am committed to transparency, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Governance and Performance Advisor
Taumata Arowai
01.2023 - Current
- Collaborated closely with chairs to ensure governance forums aligned with strategic objectives
- Provided essential materials to stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making
- Recorded vital decisions and actions during meetings to maintain accurate records.
Investigator, Children in Care
Office of the Ombudsman
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Conducted thorough investigations and facilitated timely resolution of complaints
- Engaged with external parties and internal stakeholders to address complaints effectively
- Negotiated agreements and mediated conflicts to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Advisor, Enabling
Oranga Tamariki
06.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducted thorough investigations and facilitated timely resolution of complaints
- Engaged with external parties and internal stakeholders to address complaints effectively.
Information Sharing Advisor
Oranga Tamariki
02.2019 - 06.2019
- Provided specialised knowledge on information sharing provisions and legislative compliance
- Managed responses to Official Information Act requests and supported legislative changes
- Cultivated relationships across agencies to promote collaboration and shared goals.
Democracy Advisor
Wellington City Council
01.2019 - 01.2019
- Strengthened governance systems and provided professional guidance to council officers
- Managed committees and ensured effective communication with media and stakeholders
- Handled sensitive matters with tact and delivered exceptional customer service.
Senior Governance Advisor
Inland Revenue
07.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported chairs in structuring agendas to drive effective decision-making in governance forums
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure informed decision-making
- Proactively identified and addressed operational challenges to improve business direction.
Privacy and Official Information Act Advisor
Ara Poutama - Department of Corrections
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided expert advice on privacy and official information act compliance
- Managed queries from media, offenders, and the public, ensuring adherence to legal requirements
- Produced reports and documents while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.
Quality and Performance Advisor
Ara Poutama - Department of Corrections
06.2017 - 01.2018
- Reviewed and improved departmental processes and policies to ensure compliance
- Provided support and training to enhance staff competency and performance
- Collaborated with colleagues to implement changes and achieve organizational goals.
Deputy Chief Executive Advisor
Ministry of Social Development
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Responded to parliamentary inquiries and managed confidential queries for senior leadership
- Resolved complaints and escalated media issues to minimize reputational risk
- Provided strategic support to ensure effective service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Helpline/Policy Advisor
Ministry of Social Development
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Identified and addressed systemic issues to improve service delivery and policy outcomes
- Supported vulnerable clients and provided guidance to staff on complex inquiries
- Presented recommendations for policy changes to improve service effectiveness.
Quality Advisor
Ministry of Social Development
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Conducted quality checks and provided coaching to improve staff performance
- Maintained integrity while handling sensitive information and resolving complaints
- Responded to inquiries via multiple channels, ensuring timely and accurate assistance.
Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Managed client needs and inquiries while ensuring compliance with legislative requirements
- Collaborated with external agencies to provide comprehensive support to clients
- Maintained professionalism in challenging situations and resolved issues efficiently.
Education
Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development
Effective Writing For Ministers
Victoria University
Resilience in The Workplace
Victoria University
Specialist Child Witness Interviewing
New Zealand Police
Trauma Informed Practice
Office of The Ombudsman
Skills
- Relationship Development and Management
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Enthusiasm
- Able to use most computer software and systems
- Ability to "hit the ground running"
- Negotiated agreements and mediated conflicts to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
- Relationship Building
- Training and mentoring
- Presentations and public speaking
- Strategic Planning
- Research abilities
- Data Interpretation
- Client Engagement
Volunteer Experience
- Government Women's Network - Te Aka Wahine Aotearoa, Secretariat 2024 - 2027
References
- Kalina Shipkov, Deputy Commissioner, Utilities Disputes
Mobile: 022 395 9668
- Sarah Murphy, Executive Advisor to the Chief Ombudsman, Office of the Ombudsman
Mobile: 027 436 5261
Timeline
Governance and Performance Advisor
Taumata Arowai
01.2023 - Current
Investigator, Children in Care
Office of the Ombudsman
01.2021 - 01.2023
Advisor, Enabling
Oranga Tamariki
06.2019 - 01.2021
Information Sharing Advisor
Oranga Tamariki
02.2019 - 06.2019
Democracy Advisor
Wellington City Council
01.2019 - 01.2019
Senior Governance Advisor
Inland Revenue
07.2018 - 01.2019
Privacy and Official Information Act Advisor
Ara Poutama - Department of Corrections
01.2018 - 07.2018
Quality and Performance Advisor
Ara Poutama - Department of Corrections
06.2017 - 01.2018
Deputy Chief Executive Advisor
Ministry of Social Development
01.2017 - 06.2017
Helpline/Policy Advisor
Ministry of Social Development
01.2016 - 01.2017
Quality Advisor
Ministry of Social Development
01.2014 - 01.2016
Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development
01.2011 - 01.2014
Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development
Effective Writing For Ministers
Victoria University
Resilience in The Workplace
Victoria University
Specialist Child Witness Interviewing
New Zealand Police
Trauma Informed Practice
Office of The Ombudsman
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