Senior Policy Adviser, Human Resources

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Part time

Job summary

Victoria University of Wellington invites applicants for a Senior Policy Adviser in the Employment Law and Employment Relations team. This permanent, part-time role sits within Te Pumanawa Tangata - Human Resources and shapes people-related policy across the University.

You will lead HR policy reviews, partner with policy owners, provide expert employment advice, and support major HR initiatives while building strong relationships with leaders and staff representatives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in policy, people advisory, HR, employment relations, or similar role.
• Track record developing practical policy solutions in a complex organisation.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of high-quality papers.
• Experience building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusive workplace.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, development, and implementation of HR policies and frameworks.
• Partner with policy owners and stakeholders across the University to deliver high-quality policy outcomes.
• Provide expert advice on employment-related matters, policy interpretation, and organisational risk.
• Support major HR initiatives and projects from conception through to implementation.
• Develop resources, communications, and training to support successful adoption of policy changes.
• Build effective relationships with leaders, managers, staff representatives, and colleagues across the University.
• Contribute to collective bargaining and wider employment relations initiatives where required.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Can you navigate complex employment matters and provide practical, high-quality policy advice?Do you enjoy working collaboratively with stakeholders to influence positive organisational outcomes?Are you an experienced policy professional who enjoys working across strategy, people policy, employment relations, and organisational change?Korero mo te turanga - About the roleTe Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Senior Policy Adviser to join our Employment Law and Employment Relations team within Te Pumanawa Tangata - Human Resources on a permanent, part-time contract. This is a unique opportunity to influence the development of people-related policy and practice across one of New Zealand's leading universities.This role sits at the intersection of policy, people, and organisational strategy. You will lead the development, review, and implementation of human resources policies, provide expert advice on employment-related matters, contribute to significant HR initiatives and projects, and support the University in maintaining contemporary, practical, and legally robust people frameworks.In this role, you will:Lead the review, development, and implementation of HR policies and related frameworks.Partner with policy owners and stakeholders across the University to deliver high-quality policy outcomes.Provide expert advice on employment-related matters, policy interpretation, and organisational risk.Support major HR initiatives and projects from conception through to implementation.Develop resources, communications, and training to support successful adoption of policy changes.Build effective relationships with leaders, managers, staff representatives, and colleagues across the University.Contribute to collective bargaining and wider employment relations initiatives where required.You may come from a policy, HR, employment relations, public sector, tertiary sector, or organisational advisory background. What matters most is your ability to navigate complex issues, provide sound advice, and influence outcomes in a collaborativeO pumanawa - About youTo be successful you will bring:Significant experience in a policy, people advisory, human resources, employment relations, or similar role.A track record of developing practical and effective policy solutions in a complex organisation.Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality papers and advice.Experience building trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholder environment.A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in ways that support an inclusive and equitable workplace.A relevant tertiary qualification.If you are an experienced policy professional looking for a role where you can combine strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and practical implementation, we'd love to hear from you.Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.Te Herenga Waka has partnered with Robert Walters (Recruitment) for this important appointment.Contact details for vacancy: If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence, please contact Matthew Drake ([e-mail], [phone]).Close date for vacancy: 16 November 2026.How to apply: Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington will be supported in this appointment by the executive search firm Robert Walters. Please note that applications must be submitted through Robert Walters and will not be accepted through the University careers page.Click here to apply in confidence through the Robert Walters website.Please attach your cover letter and CV in a PDF format wherever possible. Emails will be electronically acknowledged, and further correspondence may be sent by email.