Job Description
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 senior position will support the policy work required for Te Au Reka, the rollout of digital caseflow management to the courts, which is the most significant system change for the courts in generations. It is a unique opportunity to apply your strong experience and analytical skills to identifying and resolving technical policy issues. This will involve working closely with the Ministry's Te Au Reka design team, the judiciary, the Rules Committee and Parliamentary Counsel Office. So, if you enjoy working on high profile projects that involve 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 team is responsible for the core statutes that empower New Zealand's law enforcement to maintain public safety and investigate crime. We ensure they have the tools needed and that appropriate checks and balances are in place. We are looking for a senior advisor to contribute to priority work to better enable investigation and prosecution of serious and organised crime in a modern technological environment.
The AML/CFT team is seeking two senior advisors through to July 2027 to join our system stewardship work programme. The team is leading a major reform programme designed to make it harder for criminals to exploit the financial system, while supporting legitimate business to operate with confidence. These roles will contribute to implementing the National AML/CFT Strategy, evaluating system performance, and strengthening cross‑system governance. You will work closely with agency and industry partners and gain exposure to senior leaders and key decision‑making forums.
The Civil Law team, within the Civil and Constitutional Unit, is seeking a permanent senior advisor. The team administers a range of regulatory systems, including Property, Trust and Contract law, as well as some occupational regulation. The team is also responsible for administering 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. These roles require a strong policy skill set. We are looking for someone with a proven track record in:
Problem solving and analysis – Can you analyse complex policy issues and options for addressing them?
Relationship skills – Do you have strong relationship management skills, including with diverse internal and external stakeholders?
Work management skills – Can you prioritise, plan and deliver on multiple workstreams?
Communication skills – Are you an excellent communicator? Can you clearly and simply explain complex information for Ministers and other audiences?
Advisory skills – Do you have 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, 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 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're 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. 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.
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
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:
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. Please note that you may be considered for another role within the Group, depending on skills and experience.
If you have any questions, please contact
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Law Practice