Senior Policy Advisor

CGR Services; Wellington; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Influence on policy

Meaningful work

Professional support

Inclusive networks

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice in Wellington is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor for a fixed-term role until 30 March 2027. You will scope, plan and analyse policy, legislative and operational implications of proposed law reform, building relationships across teams and with external stakeholders.

Applicants should bring strong policy judgement, analytical abilities, and the ability to translate complexity into clear advice. A relevant tertiary qualification and right to work in New Zealand are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong policy judgement and analytical skills.
• Ability to translate complexity into clear advice.
• Excellent relationship management and communication.
• Right to work in New Zealand is essential.
• Legislative process experience is a bonus, not a requirement.

Responsibilities

• Scope, plan and analyse policy, legislative and operational implications of proposed law reform.
• Develop evidence-based advice and clear policy outcomes.
• Engage with interdepartmental stakeholders and external partners.

Skills

Policy judgement

Policy analysis

Relationship management

Communication skills

Prioritisation

Machinery of Government

Analytical skills

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

Senior Policy Advisor - Wellington, Fixed Term Full Time

Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We have a fixed-term opportunity for a Senior Policy Advisor in the Access to Justice Policy team in the Policy Group at the Ministry of Justice, until 30 March 2027.

If you've got strong policy judgement, can turn complexity into clear advice, and build relationships easily, we want to hear from you. The role will include scoping, planning and analysis of the policy, legislative and operational implications of proposed law reform.

For the full picture of what this role involves, please read the position description before you apply.

What's on offer -

• Real influence over policy that affects the lives of New Zealanders
• Focused, meaningful work within our policy team
• Support from experienced policy professionals as you get up to speed

You’ll bring strong problem-solving and analytical skills, excellent relationship management and communication, the ability to prioritise and deliver on a defined work programme and sound knowledge of the machinery of Government. A relevant tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) and the right to work in New Zealand are essential. Legislative process experience is a bonus, not a requirement.

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we’re committed to strengthening people’s trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

The appointing salary for this role will be between $112,766 to $145,388 pro rata, and will be based on skills and experience.

Applications close 25 September 2026. We will review CVs as they come in and invite candidates to interview before the close date.