Senior Policy Advisor

Auckland Transport; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Transport is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to lead the review and modernisation of internal policies. This role involves strategic advice, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with Auckland Council's framework. Join us in shaping the future of transport in Auckland.

Benefits

Investment in professional development and training

Paid parental and partner leave

Health and Wellbeing benefits

Professional memberships

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in policy development, preferably in the public or transport sector.
• Proven ability to review, draft, and consolidate organisational policies.
• Experience in risk, governance, or assurance environments.

Responsibilities

• Review existing policies to identify gaps and inconsistencies.
• Draft or redraft policy documents using plain language.
• Consult with Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams.

Skills

Policy Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Governance

Education

Tertiary qualification in public policy, law, governance, public administration

Job description

Auckland Transport (AT) is on a mission to transform Auckland into a vibrant city that moves, so that Aucklanders can connect with the people and places they love. Be part of Auckland's exciting future and development. From transport infrastructure to customer-focused solutions, we're creating seamless journeys across our city that enable businesses and Aucklanders to thrive.

Regardless of your choice to walk, cycle, drive, take the ferry or train, we are passionate about working together to deliver safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable options whilst providing a transport system that will create a vibrant and connected Auckland. Transport has the potential to shape our city for the better - from the streets we live, work and spend time on, to the trains, bus services, cycle and walkways we use every day.

Te Whiwhinga mahi| The opportunity

As part of the Risk & Assurance team, the Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for leading the review and modernisation of existing internal Auckland Transport operational policies, ensuring they reflect current organisational needs, legislative obligations and best practice. The role provides strategic advice and drives the development of clear, practical and coherent policies that enable consistent decision-making, align with AT's direction and Auckland Council's policy framework, and support effective implementation across the business. This will entail simplification and consolidation of the current policies, with the development of a sustainable business process to ensure policy maintenance remains up to date and relevant.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Review existing policies to identify gaps, duplication, outdated content, or inconsistencies
2. Meet with subject matter experts and internal stakeholders across business units to gather input on policy content, understand operational realities and identify improvement areas
3. Draft or redraft policy documents using plain language, aligned with AT and Auckland Council framework ensuring clarity, alignment and relevance. Consolidate overlapping policies into unified, streamlined documents.
4. Consult with Legal, Risk, and Compliance teams to ensure accuracy and mitigate risks.

Please note: This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity.

Nā tāu rourou | What will you bring?

1. 7+ years' experience in policy development, preferably in the public or transport sector
2. Proven ability to review, draft, and consolidate organisational policies and frameworks
3. Experience engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including legal, compliance, and operational teams
4. Experience in risk, governance, or assurance environments
5. Experience working in projects, and a proven ability to work independently
6. Understanding of local government or transport agency operations in New Zealand (desirable)
7. Tertiary qualification in public policy, law, governance, public administration, or a related field

At AT, we embrace inclusion and fully support building a diverse workplace where people come first and we feel safe, respected, valued and supported, inclusive of our differences. Our values are more than just words - they are integral to everything we do. Manaakitanga - We care, Tiakitanga - Safe with us, Whanaungatanga - We connect, Auahatanga - Better, bolder, together.

In addition, we also offer:

1. Investment in your professional development and training
2. Opportunity for greater leadership and accountability
3. Modern CBD (Wynyard Quarter) waterfront-based office
4. Paid parental and partner leave
5. Study assistance
6. Health and Wellbeing benefits
7. Professional memberships
8. AT Connect groups such as Mana ka Māori, Women@AT, and many more!

Come join us in shaping the future of transport in Auckland - apply today with an updated CV and cover letter.

We tiaki all those who use transport in Tāmaki Makaurau.