Principal Policy Advisor | Wellington City

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 policy professional? Do you want to lead work to help solve complex problems that impact the lives of New Zealanders?

The Ministry of Justice has an ambitious and fast-paced work programme. We are seeking principal advisors to lead policy work and coach junior advisors. We have a range of positions available, both permanent and fixed term (12 months).

These roles are in our:

• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, which has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people's experience in the justice system.
• Criminal Justice Unit, responsible for a wide-ranging programme of work focused on delivering on government's law and order priorities, alongside national security objectives.

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga / About the role

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.

Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and placed in roles in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit and Criminal Justice Policy Unit, respectively. Please ensure that your cover letter indicates whether you would like to be considered for a position in one or both policy units.

Courts and Justice Services Policy

Your work could involve providing advice on topical and important matters such as improving court timeliness, 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 Unit

Work in the Criminal Justice Unit incorporates a broad focus on developments in criminal law, both internationally and domestically. We play a lead role in delivering advice in support of justice sector law and order priorities, including the development of new offences, approaches to sentencing, reducing harms, and tackling international and organised crime. We work with a range of stakeholders including those in the justice and social sectors, and national security agencies.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

Our principal advisors bring deep policy experience to fill key leadership roles within our teams. They support capability, provide authoritative advice, and lead programmes of work on complex and sensitive issues.

We are seeking applicants with proven policy skills. If you have experience as a thoughtful problem solver and you work well as part of a team, then we want to hear from you.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Relationship skills – Strong skills in engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders, and incorporating their perspectives.
• Leadership skills – Experience in leading others in significant policy projects, and applying a coaching approach to enhance the capability of advisors and senior advisors.
• Advisory skills – Extensive knowledge of machinery of government and public policy, and the ability to think critically and anticipate risks and test analyses.
• Communication skills – Excellent written and oral communication skills – in particular, the ability to present complex issues in an accessible way, and ask questions to improve understanding.

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 a significant advantage. We also welcome applicants with a Top Secret security clearance, or the ability to gain one.

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 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. 

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $128,129 to $166,062, 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 Thursday 28 November 2024. We may review CVs as they come in and invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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