Senior Policy Advisor - Operational Policy

Niche Recruitment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Niche Recruitment in Wellington is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to translate strategic intent into practical, workable operational policy solutions. You will lead policy advice across multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver evidence-based outcomes for New Zealand communities.

You'll analyse issues, assess risks, and prepare briefings and ministerial responses, guiding implementation of policy initiatives while ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in policy development, analysis, and advice.
• Experience working on operational, regulatory, service delivery, or implementation-focused policy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings and decision papers.
• Sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of operational policy advice, frameworks, and guidance.
• Analyse complex issues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Translate legislation, regulation, and strategic direction into practical policy solutions.
• Support the implementation of policy initiatives and operational change.
• Prepare briefings, Cabinet papers, discussion documents, and ministerial responses.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify risks, impacts, and implementation challenges and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Policy development

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Verbal communication

Briefings & decision papers

Job description

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Senior Policy Advisor - Operational Policy

Niche Recruitment - Wellington Central, North Island

Are you an experienced policy advisor looking for the next career step or a Senior Advisor who enjoys translating strategic intent into practical, workable solutions?

You'll lead the development of operational policy advice that supports effective service delivery, strengthens decision-making, and achieves meaningful outcomes for New Zealand communities.

This is your opportunity to work on complex and high-profile issues where policy meets practice. You'll collaborate closely with strategic and operational teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to develop policy solutions that are evidence-based, implementable, and aligned with organisational priorities.

About the Role
You'll work across multidisciplinary teams, helping bridge the gap between strategic objectives and operational delivery. This role requires strong critical thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex environments with confidence. You'll analyse issues, assess risks and impacts, and develop policy advice that supports successful implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of operational policy advice, frameworks, and guidance.
• Analyse complex issues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Translate legislation, regulation, and strategic direction into practical policy solutions.
• Support the implementation of policy initiatives and operational change.
• Prepare briefings, Cabinet papers, discussion documents, and ministerial responses.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify risks, impacts, and implementation challenges and develop mitigation strategies.

Are you an experienced policy advisor looking for the next career step or a Senior Advisor who enjoys translating strategic intent into practical, workable solutions?

You'll lead the development of operational policy advice that supports effective service delivery, strengthens decision-making, and achieves meaningful outcomes for New Zealand communities.

This is your opportunity to work on complex and high-profile issues where policy meets practice. You'll collaborate closely with strategic and operational teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to develop policy solutions that are evidence-based, implementable, and aligned with organisational priorities.

About the Role
You'll work across multidisciplinary teams, helping bridge the gap between strategic objectives and operational delivery. This role requires strong critical thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex environments with confidence. You'll analyse issues, assess risks and impacts, and develop policy advice that supports successful implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of operational policy advice, frameworks, and guidance.
• Analyse complex issues and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Translate legislation, regulation, and strategic direction into practical policy solutions.
• Support the implementation of policy initiatives and operational change.
• Prepare briefings, Cabinet papers, discussion documents, and ministerial responses.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify risks, impacts, and implementation challenges and develop mitigation strategies.

About You
You'll be a policy advisor looking for that next step or a Senior Advisor who enjoys developing policy in a complex environment that has genuine impact on New Zealand communities.
You'll bring:

• Relevant experience in policy development, analysis, and advice.
• Experience working on operational, regulatory, service delivery, or implementation-focused policy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings and decision papers.
• Sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach.

What You'll Gain

• The opportunity to influence significant policy outcomes.
• Diverse and challenging work with visible impact.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements.

Please note: This is a role that requires policy experience and is not suitable for recent graduates or candidates seeking entry-level policy opportunities. Applicants must also have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. We are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship or who are not currently entitled to work in New Zealand.