Senior Policy Leader, Conservation Strategy (Flexible)

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 114,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a senior policy professional to lead a large conservation policy work programme for the Department of Conservation in Wellington. You will help set direction, lead early analysis, and support cross-team collaboration during a priority-setting period for the incoming government.

You will coordinate with policy teams and senior leaders to deliver sound policy recommendations, coach staff, and adapt to evolving priorities across the directorate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex and sensitive policy programmes and projects, requiring deep policy craft and/or technical expertise.
• Experience in managing legislative change is advantageous.
• Ability to see the big picture and provide sound policy recommendations.
• Ability to scope policy problems and propose meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Analysing and distilling early policy thinking on key matters across conservation, hunting and fishing priorities.
• Developing sharp, well-targeted initial advice or information briefings for Ministers or senior leadership.
• Providing leadership, direction setting and peer review for identified policy or legislative work.
• Coaching and advising policy teams to support commissioning and initiation of new policy projects.

Skills

Policy leadership

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching junior staff

Cross-government collaboration

Policy project management

Job description

New Zealand Government is seeking a senior policy professional to lead a large conservation policy work programme for the Department of Conservation in Wellington. You will help set direction, lead early analysis, and support cross-team collaboration during a priority-setting period for the incoming government.

You will coordinate with policy teams and senior leaders to deliver sound policy recommendations, coach staff, and adapt to evolving priorities across the directorate.