Senior Advisors

Careering Options; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Careering Options – Wellington Central is seeking an experienced policy leader to drive policy work from problem definition through to implementation. You will take ownership of complex policy projects and turn uncertainty into clear, practical advice for senior decision-makers.

This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent written communication, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders across government while applying Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in policy, with experience at Senior Policy Advisor or strong Policy Advisor level within central or local government.
• A sound understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capability, with the ability to identify meaningful options, risks and trade-offs.
• Exceptional written communication and able to provide clear advice to senior decision-makers.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship-management skills.
• The ability to apply Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, end-to-end policy projects and develop practical options and recommendations
• Develop policy options, recommendations and implementation approaches
• Draft and review Cabinet papers, ministerial briefings, talking points and other policy documents
• Interpret and contribute to legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Assess evidence, impacts, risks and trade-offs
• Build effective relationships across government and with diverse stakeholders
• Apply Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles

Skills

Policy experience

Senior Policy Advisor

Legislation knowledge

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Stakeholder management

Māori perspectives

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

NZ work rights

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Careering Options – Wellington Central, North Island

Lead policy work from problem definition through to implementation. Take ownership of significant policy work, tackling complex problems and turning uncertainty into clear, practical advice for senior decision-makers. Work where policy, legislation, evidence and competing interests collide — where good judgement matters as much as good analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex, end-to-end policy projects and develop practical options and recommendations
• Develop policy options, recommendations and implementation approaches
• Draft and review Cabinet papers, ministerial briefings, talking points and other policy documents
• Interpret and contribute to legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Assess evidence, impacts, risks and trade-offs
• Build effective relationships across government and with diverse stakeholders
• Apply Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles

About you

• 5+ years' experience in policy, with experience at Senior Policy Advisor or strong Policy Advisor level within central or local government
• A sound understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capability, with the ability to identify meaningful options, risks and trade-offs
• Exceptional written communication and able to provide clear advice to senior decision-makers
• Strong stakeholder and relationship-management skills
• The ability to apply Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles
• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand

Any enquiries please contact ********@careeringoptions.co.nz