Senior Policy Adviser

Marketplace; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 105,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections in Wellington is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser to lead strategic policy work on complex justice issues. You will shape advice, coordinate cross-agency consultation, and oversee major projects including the development of the Annual Report.

Reporting to the Manager Strategic Policy, you will deliver high-quality analyses for senior leaders, engage with Ministers and executives, and contribute to the Hōkai Rangi strategy while supporting a small,

Qualifications

• Excellent written communication with senior audiences
• Ability to define problems and apply policy frameworks
• Experience leading projects and engaging decision-makers
• Understanding of governing legislation and international treaty obligations
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Ability to represent the department in forums including ministers

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy projects and provide senior-level advice
• Coordinate contributions for the Annual Report and other accountability documents
• Support senior leaders and cross-government stakeholders
• Management of complex work programmes with competing deadlines
• Engage with Ministers and Executive Leadership Team to inform priorities

Job description

# Senior Policy Adviser at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Fixed-term position through to November 2027* Achieve tangible change as a policy leader working on topical criminal justice issues* Take the lead on major projects and manage cross-sector consultation* Collegial and stable team in a small policy unit with a focus on professional development* Wellington based**Mō te tūnga** **| About the role**Join the Strategic Policy team and play a leading role in shaping advice on a diverse range of complex issues affecting the Corrections portfolio. This is a varied and influential role, combining strategic policy leadership with responsibility for one of the organisation's most important accountability documents. You will provide high-quality analysis and advice on emerging and long-term issues, support senior leaders on priority matters, and lead complex projects that require collaboration across government agencies and stakeholders.A key responsibility of this position is leading the development of Ara Poutama Aotearoa's Annual Report. You will coordinate contributions from across the organisation, provide strategic oversight of content development, ensure alignment with statutory reporting requirements, and work closely with senior leaders to deliver a high-quality report that clearly communicates organisational performance, priorities, and outcomes.Reporting to the Manager Strategic Policy, you will work within a broader group that includes research, strategic analysis, and performance functions. You will lead complex policy projects and provide strategic advice in partnership with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders and the Executive Leadership Team. Your work will help inform organisational priorities, strategic planning, and policy settings across the justice sector.While the Strategic Policy team does not lead regulatory or legislative policy development for Corrections, it plays an important role in reviewing and influencing policy proposals developed by other agencies. Recent work has included advice on anti-terrorism initiatives, human rights and gender diversity issues, youth justice, organised crime, and immigration policy.This role is Wellington-based, with flexible working arrangements available.**Mōu** **| About you**You are an experienced policy professional who can provide sound strategic advice and quickly build credibility with stakeholders. You enjoy working on complex issues, can confidently navigate competing priorities, and combine strong analytical thinking with sound judgement. You will have some experience leading projects, are capable of drafting high-quality written products, and are comfortable engaging with senior decision-makers.Experience in the justice sector or wider public sector environment would be advantageous, but most importantly you bring curiosity, a growth mindset, and a commitment to our values and purpose.**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**You will bring:* Excellent written communication skills, including experience producing high-quality strategic, accountability, or reporting documents for senior audiences* An ability to define problems and to apply creativity, logic and a variety of frameworks to the development of policy options* A proven ability to develop policy advice that advances strategic goals and priorities* An understanding of how relevant governing legislation and international treaty obligations relate to policy development* A proven ability to influence decision-makers across in order to achieve objectives* Strong project management and coordination skills, including the ability to manage complex work programmes and competing deadlines* The ability to represent the Department in a variety of forums, including when called upon to provide verbal advice to Ministers and their staff**Utu ā-tau | Salary**The midpoint of the salary range is $123,511 and the full range (85%-120%) is $104,985 - $148,214. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.**Mō mātou | About us**Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.**Tono ināianei | Apply Now**To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.When applying, submit a tailored **CV and a cover letter** describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.**Applications close on:** Monday 16 November 2026, 11pm NZST.If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit **careers.corrections.govt.nz.**## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) || Location: | Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara) || Position type: | Fixed Term/Secondment || Category: | Policy & analysis || Date listed: | 09-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | $104,985 - $148,214 || Closing date: | 16-Nov-2026 || Reference: | NZ/1950145 || Attachment: | Job Description - Senior Policy Adviser - SCS.docx (Word, 308KB) || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.