Principal Advisor, Policy

ACC New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 118,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

9% superannuation

Flexible working options

Job summary

ACC New Zealand in Wellington seeks a Principal Advisor, Policy to provide strategic policy advice, analysis, and leadership on a range of complex issues for ACC and the Accident Compensation Scheme.

Working closely with the Head of Policy, Evidence and Insights, Policy Manager, and Public Sector Engagement Manager, you will shape policy thinking and offer expert advice to senior leaders, Ministers, the ACC Board, and other key decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Significant experience providing policy advice on complex, high-impact issues within government or regulatory environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize information and present practical options.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic policy advice, analysis, and leadership across complex issues facing ACC and the Accident Compensation Scheme.
• Collaborate with the Head of Policy, Evidence and Insights, Policy Manager, and Public Sector Engagement Manager to shape policy thinking and advise senior leaders, Ministers and the ACC Board.
• Contribute to policy capability development and public sector engagement across organisational boundaries.

Skills

Policy advice

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Political nous

Machinery of government

Education

Public sector experience

Job description

• Shape policy advice that influences the future of ACC.
• Work on complex, high-impact issues with visibility across ACC, government, and the wider public sector.
• Join a collaborative team that values strategic thinking, curiosity, and evidence-based decision-making.

About us | Mō mātou

ACC is a trusted and high-performing organisation, providing care, supporting recovery and promoting injury prevention, now and into the future.

You can find more about ACC and the work we do here.

About the role | Mō te tūranga mahi

As a Principal Advisor, Policy, you will provide strategic policy advice, analysis, and leadership across a range of complex and significant issues facing ACC and the Accident Compensation Scheme.

Working closely with the Head of Policy, Evidence and Insights, Policy Manager, and Public Sector Engagement Manager, you'll help shape policy thinking, contribute to strategic initiatives, and provide expert advice to senior leaders, Ministers, the ACC Board, and other key decision-makers.

This is an opportunity to influence policy outcomes at a system level, work across organisational and sector boundaries, and contribute to the continuous improvement of ACC's policy capability and public sector engagement.

We are recruiting for a permanent full‑time role within the Policy, Evidence and Insights team, based in Wellington. This position is suited to experienced policy professionals who enjoy working on complex issues, leading strategic thinking, and influencing meaningful change.

About you | Mōu

You are a strategic thinker who enjoys tackling complex issues and turning analysis into practical advice. You can work comfortably in ambiguity, build trusted relationships, and influence decision-making across a wide range of stakeholders.

We value potential and growth over perfection. If you meet most of the criteria and are excited about making a difference, we encourage you to apply if you:

• Bring significant experience providing policy advice on complex, high-impact issues within government, regulatory, or similarly complex environments.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information and identify practical options and recommendations.
• Demonstrate excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and relationship management skills across organisational and sector boundaries.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Bring sound judgement, political nous, and experience working on sensitive, high-profile, or time-critical issues.
• Have an understanding of the machinery of government, public sector operating environment, and the legislative and regulatory context within which ACC operates.

This role requires you to be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Working at ACC | Mō ACC

At ACC, we embrace the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand's cultures and are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities. We know that a diverse and inclusive team helps us meet the needs of our customers, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, and those with diverse abilities.

It is important to us that people are free to be themselves at work. Here are some ways we encourage that:

• Employee networks to support our colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• The option to explore flexible working that suits your needs and ours.

The appointing salary for the role is between $117,787 and $152,431, and we offer an additional 9% superannuation contribution. ACC offers a comprehensive benefits package which at present includes an advantageous superannuation scheme with features like no mandatory employee contribution, optional life and income protection insurance, and the flexibility to change to a locked plan at any time, ensuring your financial security now and in retirement.