Policy Advisors (Lvl 2) | Wellington City

Job Description

POLICY ADVISORS (LEVEL 2)

3x Permanent positions - National Office, Wellington

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My strength is not mine alone, but comes from the many.

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga/About the Role

Do you want to help solve complex problems with real life impact on Aotearoa New Zealand's courts system, or support the democratic rights of New Zealanders, or be involved in the reform of Family Law in Aotearoa New Zealand? Do you want to be part of a Policy Group that values Ngā Ao Māori approaches and applies Te Tiriti o Waitangi to our policy development and advice?

We're looking for three experienced policy advisors to join our Courts System Policy, Family Law and Electoral and Constitutional policy teams. In these roles, you will have opportunities to shape thinking and drive change. You'll have complex and challenging issues to resolve, and opportunities to sharpen your critical thinking and relationship management skills.

The Courts System policy team provides policy advice to improve outcomes for those using Aotearoa New Zealand's courts system, and to support a fair, accessible and trusted justice system. The team's work includes considering the constitutional principles, jurisdiction, and powers and procedures of the courts' system.

The Family Law policy team aims to improve outcomes for all users of the family justice system. Our current work programme includes driving change in the family justice sector, leading the Government's adoption law reform, and advising on a range of legislation and policy relating to the Family Court and family law.

The Electoral and Constitutional policy team provides advice on our constitutional arrangements, which aim to ensure that State actions are legitimate and are accepted as such; our democratic structures and the processes by which we choose our elected leaders; and rights related to protecting the privacy of New Zealanders.

If you like to find out more about these roles, please contact:

• Matthew Mitchell, Policy Manager of the Courts System Policy team at matthew.mitchell@justice.govt.nz  
• Naomi Stephen-Smith, Policy Manager for the Family Law team at naomi.stephen-smith@justice.govt.nz.
• Hayley Denoual, Policy Manager of the Electoral and Constitutional team at hayley.denoual@justice.govt.nz

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Problem solving. Can you think analytically and critically? Do you find complex problems interesting, and have a knack for solving them?
• Communication skills. Are you an excellent communicator? Can you write clearly, in a way that simplifies complex information? Do you ask questions to improve your understanding?
• Relationship skills. Do you care about helping people and have a strong sense of integrity? Are you self-aware and trustworthy, with a willingness to learn from others? Do you build work to build and maintain relationships?
• Initiative. Are you motivated to go beyond the immediate task, problem or issue?  Do you ask for help and develop your judgement over time?

Experience with the legislative process or a legal background would be an advantage, but is not essential. 

In return, we will:

• Prioritise your well-being and professional development
• Empower you to coach others, and be coached by experienced policy professionals
• Provide opportunities to work on and lead a broad range of intellectually challenging policy problems
• Provide a flexible working environment

Mō te tīma /About our team

The Courts System Policy and Family Law teams are part of the Courts and Justice Services Policy unit in the Policy Group at Justice – Tāhū o Te Ture – which is focused on making New Zealand a safe and just society.

When you choose to work in the Policy Group at Justice – Te Tāhū o Te Ture – you'll join a successful Group that is focused on making New Zealand a safe and just society. We are committed to honouring our commitments under te Tiriti o Waitangi 

Joining the Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an inclusive organisation that values you and the communities we serve. It's our promise to ensure our workplace is one where our people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves at work. We value respect as the foundation for building a positive workplace culture and one where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. 

Tono mai/How to Apply

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. 

We're open to discussing flexible working options that work for both you and the business.

Applications close at midnight on: Wednesday, 6 July 2022

Our Ministry's top priority is the safety and wellbeing of its employees. We have a comprehensive range of health and safety protocols already in place across all our worksites to help keep our people safe from the effects of COVID-19. We strongly encourage and support all our people to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.  Our current policy position is that vaccination is not a prerequisite for employment. However, while employed by Te Tāhū you will be bound by all policies, procedures and rules which are in effect at the time. This includes any future changes to our vaccination requirements.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, or our online application system, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz