Principal Policy Advisor

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing support

Professional development

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Principal Policy Advisor in Wellington to lead the development of complex policy advice in legislative and regulatory settings. You will build cross-government relationships and shape policy addressing tamariki and rangatahi wellbeing, with a focus on collaboration with Māori, Pacific and other communities.

This is a permanent, senior role in a supportive policy team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading the development of complex policy advice, particularly in a legislative or regulatory context.
• Deep knowledge of legislative and machinery of government processes.
• Expert analytical, critical policy thinking and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of complex policy advice in legislative or regulatory contexts.
• Build and sustain influential relationships across government to advance policy agendas.
• Lead and coach others while collaborating across teams to deliver policy outputs.

Skills

Policy development

Policy leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Principal Policy Advisor - Legislative and RegulatoryLead and contribute to significant, complex legislative and regulatory changeExercise your policy skills working on gnarly issues that matter for children and young peopleWork in a vibrant and supportive team, with flexible work options and a genuine commitment to your wellbeingPermanent, full time opportunity based in WellingtonPlease note: Due to the upcoming holiday period, we anticipate that the successful candidate will commence in the role in late January 2027, subject to notice periods and onboarding arrangements.Mō te tūnga | About the rolePolicy work at Oranga Tamariki is wide and varied, giving you ample opportunity to develop your career pathway and demonstrate your policy craft. We are the only policy group within a large operational organisation, which gives you greater exposure to a wide range of work that has a major impact on the frontline. Our policy group spans operational, system enabling policy, legislative and regulatory policy, and strategic, cross-government policy programmes.We have an ambitious legislative and policy work programme across the youth justice and care and protection system.Collaboration is central to who we are. We listen to children, young people, families, and whānau, and work with key partners, including Māori, Pacific and disability communities, to shape evidence-based, impactful policy. We work closely with our data and insights teams and those working on the frontline, so your advice is steeped in realism. Great teamwork is how we operate.Mō mātou | About usOranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:We put Tamariki firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyWe are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bringKey requirements of this Principal Policy Advisor role include:Extensive experience leading the development of complex policy advice, particularly in a legislative or regulatory contextA deep knowledge of legislative and machinery of government processes is essentialExpert analytical, critical policy thinking and communication skills and ability to produce quality policy work quicklyBuild genuine and enduring relationships with influence in multiple settings to advance the policy agendaLead and coach others, while being a compassionate and collaborative team memberUnderstanding the circumstances and issues facing Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled and other key populations we work withBe enthusiastic with a can-do attitudeTertiary qualification in a relevant disciplineWellington-based at the National OfficeNōu te rourou | What's in it for youOranga Tamariki offers competitive salaries and progression annually for experience through tenure. The midpoint of this salary band is $162,887. We work flexibly and have genuine support for wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and work respectfully. This is your opportunity to apply your skills to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/.Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about role, please contact [e-mail] for this role close just before midnight on Sunday 22 November 2026. We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.