Policy Project Lead – Public Service Transformation

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) in Wellington is seeking a senior Leader to manage the Policy Project, a multi-year initiative to elevate policy capability across the Public Service. You will lead a small team, shape strategy and engage senior leaders and international partners to deliver high-quality policy advice.

This fixed-term role requires robust governance, strategic thinking and a strong track record in people leadership, with the ability to operate across

Qualifications

• Experience leading policies at system level and across organisations.
• Ability to set direction and translate priorities into delivery.
• Proven ability to engage senior leaders and ministers with credibility.
• Strong people leadership and team development capabilities.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, adaptability and integrity.
• Knowledge of government processes and cross-agency collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Policy Project's multi-year programme to strengthen policy capability, delivery and quality across government agencies.
• Set strategic direction, oversee the work programme, priorities and budget.
• Lead a small, high-performing team and build relationships across the Public Service and international partners.
• Engage with Ministers and senior policy leaders to communicate progress and direction.
• Represent the Policy Project credibly and influence system-wide priorities.

Skills

Strategic policy

Public Service leadership

Programme delivery

Senior stakeholder engagement

People leadership

Autonomy & judgment

Education

Tertiary qualification or equivalent

Job description

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) in Wellington is seeking a senior Leader to manage the Policy Project, a multi-year initiative to elevate policy capability across the Public Service. You will lead a small team, shape strategy and engage senior leaders and international partners to deliver high-quality policy advice.

This fixed-term role requires robust governance, strategic thinking and a strong track record in people leadership, with the ability to operate across