Principal Policy Advisor, Inquiries & Cabinet Governance

Department of Internal Affairs; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor, Inquiries (Policy) to shape how statutory inquiries are designed, governed, and supported across government.

Working with the General Manager and Chief Advisor, Inquiries, you will provide high-quality policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers on inquiry establishment, terms of reference, governance, and system design across the inquiry lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience operating in a complex, high profile and politically sensitive environments
• Extensive experience providing senior-level policy advice within the public sector
• Strong understanding of Cabinet processes, Ministerial decision-making, and the public sector authorising environment
• Experience preparing Cabinet papers, Ministerial briefings, correspondence, Official Information Act responses, and Written Parliamentary Questions
• Sound knowledge of public sector governance and accountability frameworks, ideally including the Inquiries Act 2013 and related legislation
• Ability to identify and manage system-level risks, emerging issues, and reputational sensitivities
• Excellent analytical, written, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to mentoring others and lifting policy quality

Responsibilities

• Shape how statutory inquiries are designed, governed, and supported across government
• Provide high-quality, politically astute policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers on inquiry establishment, terms of reference, governance settings, and system stewardship
• Contribute to Cabinet and Ministerial advice, Parliamentary accountability, and strengthening the DIA’s role as a trusted system leader
• Respond quickly to emerging issues and tight deadlines, especially during inquiry establishment or periods of heightened Ministerial or public interest

Job description

The Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington is seeking a Principal Advisor, Inquiries (Policy) to shape how statutory inquiries are designed, governed, and supported across government.

Working with the General Manager and Chief Advisor, Inquiries, you will provide high-quality policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers on inquiry establishment, terms of reference, governance, and system design across the inquiry lifecycle.