Senior Policy Advisor

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is looking for two Senior Policy Advisors to lead impactful policy work and coach junior advisors. The candidates should possess strong problem-solving, relationship management, and communication skills. A relevant tertiary qualification is required. The role offers a competitive salary range between $110,766 and $154,680 and numerous professional development opportunities.

Benefits

4.4 weeks holiday leave

Flexible work hours

Online professional development portal

Inclusive network access

Qualifications

• Proven track record in policy advisory roles.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Excellent communication abilities for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy work and coach junior advisors.
• Provide advice on court timeliness and the legal aid system.

Skills

Problem solving and analysis

Relationship skills

Work management skills

Communication skills

Advisory skills

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Job Description

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

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 two permanent Senior Policy Advisors to lead policy work and coach junior advisors.

Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and placed in a role either in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit or the Criminal Justice Policy Unit.

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.

Criminal Justice Policy Unit

The Criminal Justice unit provides oversight of the criminal justice system through stewardship of key legislation and leadership on critical domestic and international criminal justice issues.

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga / About the roles

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.

Ō Pūkenga / Skills And Experience

Senior Policy Advisors lead programmes of work, coach more junior staff and are supported by our Principal Advisor. These roles require 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 professionals, and
• provide opportunities to work on a broad range of important and challenging policy problems.

Successful candidates 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 New Zealand.

Mō mātou / About us

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.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi / What's great about working here

Benefits

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

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

Utu ā-tau / Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $110,766 to $154,680 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai / Apply

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

Applications close on 16 November 2025. We may review CVs as they come in and invite candidates to interview before the close date.

Other roles come up in the Policy Group during the course of this recruitment. Please note that you may be considered for another role within the Group, depending on skills and experience.

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail].

Follow us on LinkedIn