Principal Policy Adviser

14 hours ago

Wellington, New Zealand Ministry of Transport Full time

Position Title: Principal Policy Adviser

Team and Group: Regulatory Reform, Sector Strategy

Position Type: Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location: Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

Salary: is $127,142 – $168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)


  • Lead advice on key transport regulatory policy issues in a high-performance environment
  • Permanent opportunity in a dynamic and responsive agency
  • Wellington based only | Waterfront location on Queens Wharf

About the Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Transport is the system leader for the transport sector, whether it’s on land, at sea, or in the air. We are the government’s adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment and play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity of New Zealanders.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a high performing work culture. Our modern office at the waterfront further enhances the Ministry’s working environment.

About the opportunity

We are looking for high performing candidates to join our Wellington office as a Principal Adviser working on regulatory policy issues. You will work closely with your team manager to lead and shape a variety of key projects.

Across these roles your key responsibilities will include:

  • Partnering with the manager to drive the team’s work programme and contributing to the development and implementation of the team’s strategy.
  • Providing regulatory policy advice and leading key projects and project teams in risky, complex, ambiguous, or sensitive policy areas.
  • Applying economic principles and frameworks in your advice and examining tradeoffs, efficiency and value for money.
  • Taking a leadership role in cross-Ministry and cross-government policy issues and negotiations.
  • Coaching and mentoring staff to enhance team performance and capability.
  • Establishing and developing strong relationships across other transport sector agencies and the wider government sector.

What you’ll bring

You will bring extensive regulatory policy development experience in central government organisations, and:

  • A deep understanding of the policy process, including machinery of government knowledge that includes regulatory frameworks, associated government institutions, and ideally the wider transport sector.
  • A reputation for delivery and meeting deadlines with demonstrated experience in a policy leadership role.
  • Experience in leading and coaching staff.
  • Exceptional written and analytical ability.
  • A strong grasp of public policy development, principles of good regulatory policy making, and different frameworks for considering regulatory policy issues.
  • Demonstrated experience working with and supporting senior decision-makers, including Ministers, to deliver outcomes.
  • A strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels, internally and externally - gaining trust quickly and navigating difficulties swiftly.
  • A tertiary qualification in a relevant field.

Salary range

The budgeted salary range for this role is $127,142 – $168,973 + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will be based on skills and experience.

What we offer

  • Supportive work environment and individual development plans
  • Laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment
  • Modern offices located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
  • A range of employee led networks

How to apply

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply . Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 30 October 2024

Depending on the number of applications received, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Kitty McCool, Recruitment Adviser at

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, and supported.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

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