Senior Policy Advisor

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 111,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to tackle complex issues impacting New Zealanders' lives. This role involves leading policy initiatives within the Criminal Justice Unit and coaching junior staff. The successful candidate will engage with diverse stakeholders, apply critical thinking, and drive legislative change. With flexible work arrangements and a commitment to professional development, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the justice sector while enhancing your career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Access to Inclusive Networks

Qualifications

• Proven track record in policy advisory roles.
• Strong skills in problem solving and relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy work and coach junior advisors.
• Provide advice on complex policy issues and options.

Skills

Problem Solving and Analysis

Relationship Management

Work Management

Communication

Advisory Skills

Education

Relevant Tertiary Qualification

Job description

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

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Are you an experienced senior policy advisor with a proven track record? Do you want to help solve complex problems that impact the lives of New Zealanders?

We are seeking one fixed term Senior Policy Advisor for 12 months to lead policy work and coach junior advisors.

The current role is in our Criminal Justice Unit, responsible for a wide-ranging programme of work focused on delivering on government's law and order priorities, alongside national security objectives.

However it is possible that a candidate could also be placed in our:

• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, which has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people's experience in the justice system.
• Civil and Constitutional Unit, which focuses on policy issues related to the civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, electoral system, and human rights.

Preference will be given to those who are Wellington based, but we will consider remote working arrangements for the right candidate.

Our work in the Policy Group is wide ranging, with opportunities to shape thinking and drive legislative change across the justice sector and all of government. We work at the interface of the executive, parliamentary and judicial branches of government. Our work is interesting and challenging, with a chance to apply your critical thinking and relationship management skills.

The successful candidate will be appointed to the Policy Group and placed in a role in the Criminal Justice Policy Unit, the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, or the Civil and Constitutional Unit.

Criminal Justice Unit

Work in the Criminal Justice Unit incorporates a broad focus on developments in criminal law, both internationally and domestically. We play a lead role in delivering advice in support of justice sector law and order priorities, including the development of new offences, approaches to sentencing, reducing harms, victims' rights and tackling international and organised crime. We work with a range of stakeholders including those in the justice and social sectors, and national security agencies.

Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit

Your work will involve providing advice on topical and important matters such as improving court timeliness and stewardship, our legal aid system, and family law issues. The Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit works to strengthen trust in the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand, administering and providing advice on the legal frameworks, systems and policies that underpin courts and tribunals, family relationships, access to justice and the provision of legal services.

Civil and Constitutional Unit

Work in the Civil and Constitutional Unit is varied, underpinned by a strong focus on the rule of law, representative democracy, executive scrutiny, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the separation of powers, upholding the Bill of Rights and progressing human rights. The Unit is also responsible for the regulation of firearms in New Zealand.

The Senior Policy Advisor will lead programmes of work, coach more junior staff and is supported by our Principal Advisor. This roles requires a strong policy skill set. We are looking for someone with a proven track record in:

• problem solving and analysis – can you analyse complex policy issues and options for addressing them?
• relationship skills – do you have strong relationship management skills, including with diverse internal and external stakeholders?
• work management skills – can you prioritise, plan and deliver on multiple workstreams?
• communication skills – are you an excellent communicator? Can you clearly and simply explain complex information for Ministers and other audiences?
• advisory skills – do you have extensive knowledge and understanding of the machinery of Government and public policy?

In return, we will:

• prioritise your well-being and professional development
• empower you to coach others, and be coached by experienced policy professional
• provide opportunities to work on a broad range of important and challenging policy problems.

The successful candidate will have a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience. Experience with the legislative process or a legal background would be an advantage but is not essential. Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi analysis skills are highly desirable.

Applicants must have the right to work in NewZealand.

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:

• flexible work hours where possible
• 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 $111,766 to $154,680, based on skills and experience.

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Tuesday, 13 May; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.