Senior Policy Advisors, Wellington
Multiple Positions - 4 x fixed-term, 1 x permanent
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Are you an experienced senior policy advisor with a proven track record? Do you want to help solve complex problems that impact the lives of New Zealanders?
We are seeking four fixed term and one permanent Senior Policy Advisors to support and lead policy work as well as coach and mentor junior advisors. Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and placed either in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, Criminal Justice Policy Unit or Civil and Constitutional Unit.
The Courts System Policy team, within the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, is seeking a senior advisor through to 30 June 2028 with a strong interest in delivering regulatory change. This position will support policy work for Te Au Reka, the rollout of digital caseflow management to the courts. It involves working closely with the Ministry's Te Au Reka design team, the judiciary, the Rules Committee and Parliamentary Counsel Office. If you enjoy high profile projects with detailed policy and drafting work, we want to hear from you.
The Law Enforcement team and the AML/CFT team, within the Criminal Justice Policy Unit, are seeking three fixed term Senior Policy Advisors. The Law Enforcement team has a 12-month fixed term senior advisor position available. The AML/CFT team includes two senior advisors through to July 2027 to join our system stewardship work programme. The Civil Law team is seeking a permanent senior advisor. The team administers regulatory systems including Property, Trust and Contract law and some occupational regulation, and administers the Privacy Act 2020.
Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience
Senior Policy Advisors lead programmes of work, coach more junior staff, and are supported by our Principal Advisor. We are looking for someone with a proven track record in:
* Problem solving and analysis – analyse complex policy issues and options for addressing them
* Relationship skills – strong relationship management with diverse internal and external stakeholders
* Work management skills – ability to prioritise, plan and deliver on multiple workstreams
* Communication skills – clearly and simply explain complex information for Ministers and other audiences
* Advisory skills – extensive knowledge and understanding of the machinery of Government and public policy
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 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 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.
Mō Mātou/About Us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we are committed to strengthening people\'s trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 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.
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.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What\'s great about working here
Benefits
* 4.4 weeks holiday leave (Perm)
* 22 days holiday leave (FT)
* An online professional development portal
* Access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $112,766 to $145,388 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 22 February 2026. We may review CVs as they come in and invite candidates to interview before the close date.
Other roles may come up in the Policy Group during the course of this recruitment. You may be considered for another role within the Group, depending on skills and experience.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
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