Policy Advisors (Level 2) | 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 

Do you want the opportunity to hone your policy expertise and contribute to solving complex issues that impact New Zealand's legal and justice systems?  

We are looking for enthusiastic advisors seeking to develop their careers. We have a range of positions available, both permanent and fixed term.

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 will be placed in roles in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit and the Criminal Justice 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 Unit

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

Policy advisors (Level 2) in the Policy Group have some experience of the policy process or equivalent experience, and work with others to resolve complex and challenging issues. 

The successful candidates will demonstrate: 

• Relationship skills – Do you have strong skills in engaging with diverse internal and external stakeholders, learning from their perspectives as well as influencing them?
• Problem solving skills – 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?  
• Advisory skills – Do you have knowledge of machinery of Government and public policy?
• Work management skills – Are you able to plan, prioritise, and organise work to deliver on short and long-term projects?

In return, we will:

• prioritise your well-being and professional development ensure you are coached by experienced policy professionals, and
• provide opportunities to work with others on a broad range of intellectually challenging policy problems.

The 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 an advantage but is not essential.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.

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 $83,562 to $107,862, 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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