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. Work in the Justice 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.

We are seeking Principal Advisors to lead policy work and coach more junior advisors. Principal Advisors in the Policy Group 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 across Criminal Justice policy, Courts and Justice Services policy, and Civil and Constitutional policy.

These roles are for a fixed term (up to 12 months) and are based in the Victims and Harm Reduction team in the Criminal Justice Unit and the Civil Law team in the Civil and Constitutional Unit.

The Civil law team is responsible for a broad range of civil law systems, including property law, contract, trust law, wills and succession of estates, and the regulation of some occupations and industries. It administers the Privacy Act 2020. The Victims and Harm Reduction team is responsible for policy on victims' rights, harmful digital communications, and the regulation of the misuse of drugs and of the sale and supply of alcohol. The team also supports Oranga Tamariki on youth justice matters.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

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:

• 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, ask questions to improve understanding, and influence decision-makers
• relationship skills – Strong skills in engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders, and incorporating their perspectives

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, knowledge, skills, and experience. Experience with the legislative process or a legal background would be an advantage but is not essential. Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi analysis skills are highly desirable.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. This role is based at National Office in Wellington so we are not able to consider applications for full-time remote work. We're open to discussing flexible working options that work for both you and the business.

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 Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $129,129 to $179,192 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 Sunday 28 September. 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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