Principal Policy Advisor: Conservation Policy & Strategy

Department of Conservation; Wellington; On-site; NZD 114,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation in Wellington is seeking a Principal Policy Advisor to lead a large, high‑impact policy work programme across conservation, hunting and fishing priorities. You will provide strategic analysis and high‑level advice to Ministers and the senior leadership team.

You will set direction, coach policy teams, manage cross‑government projects and coordinate the delivery of early policy thinking, briefings, and policy recommendations during the coming government cycle.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex, high-stakes policy programmes.
• Ability to provide clear, authoritative policy advice to Ministers.
• Strong strategic thinking and cross-government collaboration.
• Experience coaching junior staff and managing policy projects.
• Understanding of legislative change processes is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape a large policy work programme for conservation and hunting/fishing.
• Deliver early policy analyses and prepare briefing materials for Ministers.
• Coach policy teams and manage cross-government collaborations.
• Set direction and priorities across the directorate.
• Support the policy leadership team in planning and prioritising work across the directorate.

Skills

Policy leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Coaching junior staff

Job description

Department of Conservation in Wellington is seeking a Principal Policy Advisor to lead a large, high‑impact policy work programme across conservation, hunting and fishing priorities. You will provide strategic analysis and high‑level advice to Ministers and the senior leadership team.

You will set direction, coach policy teams, manage cross‑government projects and coordinate the delivery of early policy thinking, briefings, and policy recommendations during the coming government cycle.