Senior Policy Advisor

Ministry Of Justice; Wellington; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Online professional development portal

Inclusive networks and proactive teams

Job summary

Ministry of Justice in Wellington seeks a Senior Policy Advisor for fixed-term, full-time work in the Policy Group. The role involves scoping, planning and analysing policy and the legislative and operational implications of proposed law reform.

You will collaborate with experienced policy professionals to deliver evidence-based advice that shapes how laws and services operate. Strong policy judgement, relationship-building and communication skills are essential, as is the right to work in New

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent relationship management and communication.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver on a defined work programme.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Scope, plan and analyse policy, legislative and operational implications of proposed law reform.
• Provide clear policy advice and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Work as part of the Ministry of Justice Policy Group to support lawful and effective policy outcomes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Relationship management

Communication skills

Policy planning

Prioritisation

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Job Description

Senior Policy Advisor - Wellington, Fixed Term Full Time

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

We have fixed-term opportunities for Senior Policy Advisors in the Policy Group at the Ministry of Justice. One position is for parental leave cover in our Civil Law policy team until 25 January 2028. The other positions are until 25 June 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

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

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.

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.

Working with Ministers, the judiciary, government agencies, and stakeholders, the Ministry of Justice's Policy Group provides evidence-based policy advice that shapes how laws, institutions, and services operate.

Our policy teams work across a broad range of issues, providing the strategic thinking and long-term stewardship that shapes how justice services evolve. We help government respond to complex challenges by providing advice on emerging issues and supporting legislative reform. This work contributes to safer communities, trust in the justice system, and the integrity of New Zealand's constitutional arrangements.

For example, the Civil Law policy team administers a range of regulatory systems, including property, trust, and succession law, as well as privacy law, and the sale and supply of alcohol. These systems affect the lives of all New Zealanders, supporting people to live, work and interact with others in ways that are fair, effective and rights-respecting.

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

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

• 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 $112,766 to $145,388 pro rata, and will be based on skills and experience.

Applications close 8 November 2026. We will review CVs as they come in and invite candidates to interview before the close date.