Principal Advisor, Policy Project

2 weeks ago


Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

Fixed Term to June 2026
Ko wai mātou | About us
The Policy Project is a special project team within the Policy Advisory Group (PAG). The Policy Project's mandate is to improve the performance of the policy function and quality of policy advice across government.
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
This Principal Advisor will support the Policy Project's training and capability programme. This role will focus on strengthening the use of evidence, data and insights in the policy process.
As part of our highly collaborative team, you will contribute to our annual work programme by:

- Delivering policy training courses
- Leading and facilitating workshops, forums and speaking events
- Developing and improving training programmes and resources
- Advising agencies on delivery of complex or high stakes policy projects
- Delivering advice to the Head of the Policy Profession and the Policy Profession Board
- Promoting Policy Project frameworks and resources
- Supporting the team to deliver training, workshops, and events
- Building communities of practice.

A full job description is attached.
Ko wai koe | About you
- Extensive experience in developing and presenting advice to Ministers & Cabinet
- Expertise in data analysis and presenting complex information to decision makers
- Strong presentation, public speaking and facilitation skills
- Experience in capability building at an organisational, sector and/or system level
- A working-level understanding of the machinery of government at executive and parliamentary levels.
- Strong capability with data analytics software and presentation tools

To be successful in the role we are looking for a wide range of skills including, critical thinking and sound judgement, high level of EQ, integrity and self-management, resilience and adaptability, together with an ability to communicate strategic advice and information clearly within a complex demanding and time-constrained environment.
Security Requirements | Ngā Whakaritenga Haumarutanga
Normally you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a Resident class visa. Alternatively, you must have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia with a 5 year checkable background. To find out more check your eligibility for a CONFIDENTIAL security clearance.
Ta matou e tuku | What we offer
The role comes with a competitive salary in the range of $144,291 - $161,266 p/a (including Kiwi Saver contributions), plus benefits package. Office space in the heart of Wellington CBD. All roles are flexible by default and a positive work life balance is encouraged.
Me pehea te tono | How to apply



  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    Access to professional development and training courses - Proactive policy with strong mandate - Great team with support at its core **Fixed-term (12months +) Principal Policy Advisor role has opened within a ground-breaking energy reform team focus on the goal of zero emissions in line with 2050.** **About the organisation**: **About the role**: -...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    Work with multiple stakeholders - Work on infrastructure development focused on long term protection - Tangible project with actionable goals **Principal Policy Advisor role with a strong focus in developing and building initial and on-going frameworks.** **About the organisation**: *** Join a team focused on progressive changes that improve the quality of...


  • Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Robert Walters New Zealand Full time

    We are seeking proactive applications for Principal Advisors experienced in strategic policy advice.So if you're an experienced analyst or advisor who provides outstanding intellectual leadership - get in touchAs a Principal Advisor, your role will be pivotal in shaping the direction of various initiatives.You will be tasked with delivering high-quality...


  • Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Robert Walters New Zealand Full time

    We are seeking proactive applications for Principal Advisors experienced in strategic policy advice.So if you're an experienced analyst or advisor who provides outstanding intellectual leadership - get in touchAs a Principal Advisor, your role will be pivotal in shaping the direction of various initiatives.You will be tasked with delivering high-quality...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    **Senior/Principal Policy Advisors/Analysts** - ** Work on Interesting and groundbreaking projects and programmes**: - ** Flexibility to work from home**: - ** Feel like you are adding real value with skills and experience** *** **Permanent Policy roles available throughout Wellington in Senior, Principal and Managerial positions working on up-and-coming...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    **Principal or Experienced Senior Policy Advisor - Influence & Advice** - **Opportunity to lead interesting and in-depth policy work**: - ** Ultra-flexibility with working from home**: - ** Supportive team with a great manager** **Make a real difference in an organisation which cares about the work it does and its positive influence on New...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand Ministry for Regulation Full time

    Provide leadership across government to improve regulatory quality - Make a positive impact within a brand-new central agency Work in a collaborative environment that values your professional input **About the Ministry for Regulation** The Ministry for Regulation is a newly established small government agency with a big job to do. We're here to improve...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Provide leadership across government to improve regulatory quality - Make a positive impact within a brand-new central agency - Work in a collaborative environment that values your professional input About the Ministry for Regulation The Ministry for Regulation is a newly established small government agency with a big job to do. We're here to improve the...

  • Principal Advisor

    2 weeks ago


    Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    **Principal Advisor, Operational Policy**: Kaitohutohu Mātāmua - Whakatinana Kaupapahere Help make policy real, to drive better outcomes for learners and whānau, employers and communities. **He angitūtanga**: About the Role This role sits within our Policy & Implementation group in the Careers and Investment Design Directorate. We need a Principal...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    **Location**: WellingtonContract: Permanent - full time About the roleOur Principal Policy Advisors, lead strategic policy work and projects.We are growing our team and have two newly created roles to help us contribute to the Ministry's reputation as a centre of Pacific policy excellence. Within our operations team you will lead or advise on the design,...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Ministry of Justice Full time

    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...

  • Principal Advisor

    2 weeks ago


    Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Macroeconomic and Fiscal Policy - Principal Advisor - Provide advice on macro and fiscal policy frameworks and strategy - Lead interesting and challenging policy projects - Be part of a supportive team and contribute to a range of macroeconomic and fiscal policy analysis and advice Mō mātou | About Us At Te Tai Ōhanga - The Treasury, we are committed to...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    Fixed term roles for between 12 - 24 months - Fascinating review project - Research and Stakeholder management **Collate extensive research to review existing guidelines with the aim to renew and build more rigorous policy frameworks.** **About the company**: Join a ministry looking to review and improve Aotearoa capabilities for the future. Their aim is...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Discover a career with purpose at MBIE Discover a career with purpose at MBIE - Contribute to New Zealand’s transition to a low emission, high wage and climate resilient economy - Help to transform the building and construction sector - Work across MBIE and other agencies, and with both policy and technical experts to drive our climate change response -...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand Ministry for Regulation Full time

    Use your expert policy skills to improve regulatory quality across government - Make a positive impact within a brand-new central agency Work in a collaborative environment that values your professional input **About the Ministry for Regulation** The Ministry for Regulation is a newly established small government agency with a big job to do. We're here...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Use your expert policy skills to improve regulatory quality across government - Make a positive impact within a brand-new central agency - Work in a collaborative environment that values your professional input **About the Ministry for Regulation** The Ministry for Regulation is a newly established small government agency with a big job to do. We're here...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    Our client is looking for Principal Policy Advisors to join their team on an hourly rate contract or fixed term. **About the company**: *** Join a ministry looking to review and improve Aotearoa capabilities for the future. Their aim is to ensure a fully comprehensive understanding of previous and current response frameworks to assess their suitability as...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand HAYS Full time

    **Your new company** *** Be a part of an organisation that is pivotal to New Zealand's growth and development - your new company is the largest 'policy shop' in NZ. You will be part of a team that is involved in policy on identifying significant opportunity for experience across a broad variety of areas. This is a team that prides itself on enabling each...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand OCG Full time

    Be part of a team supporting New Zealand’s research and data community. Our client is looking for Senior and Principal Advisors with a leg and reg policy background to join their team which operates across issues affecting the data system along with some emerging new areas of policy. These roles are fixed term for a minimum of 6 months. **The role...


  • Wellington City, New Zealand Madison Recruitment Full time

    Our clients in the public sector across Wellington are seeking experienced, motivated Principal Policy Advisors to be part of their growing teams and get involved in some exciting and interesting pieces of work. The organisations range in size and some of the roles will be based in newly established teams. We are keen to hear from you if you have some or...