Principal Policy Adviser

Achieve tangible change as a policy leader working on topical criminal justice issues
- Take the lead on major projects and manage cross-sector consultation
- Collegial and stable team in a small policy unit with a focus on professional development

Ngā kawenga | About the role
Join the Policy team as one of two Principal Advisers, leading and providing policy analysis and advice on a diverse range of complex issues affecting the Corrections portfolio. Your work will be diverse, from advising senior leaders on urgent matters to managing longer term projects. As Principal, you'll also coach and mentor staff, helping develop the team and our policy capability within Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections.
You will report directly to the Manager Strategic Policy, within a broader group including the research, strategic analysis, and performance teams. These teams are being brought together under our organisational change process, Te Ara Whakamua: The Pathway Forward, to support Corrections to achieve the vision set out in our organisational strategy, Hōkai Rangi. You will contribute to achieving the vision by leading complex policy projects and providing strategic advice and support, in collaboration with key internal and external partners and the Executive Leadership Team, to help shape policy settings and inform strategic enterprise planning.
This team is based in Wellington, and flexible working options are available.
He kōrero mōu | About you
You are an experienced Principal Policy Adviser with the ability to provide sound advice from day one. Ideally you have some exposure to the Justice Sector environment and the ability to navigate shifting priorities and work programmes in the public sector. Most importantly, you have a growth mindset and connect with our values.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

**You will bring**:

- A proven ability to develop policy advice that advances strategic goals and priorities
- An advanced understanding of how relevant governing legislation, international treaty obligations, and Crown responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi relate to policy development
- Proven experience in leading complex policy projects, with multiple deliverables
- A proven ability to convey complex information in a simple and concise way, and influence decision-makers across the organisation in order to achieve objectives
- The ability to represent the Department in a variety of forums, including, when called upon, to provide verbal advice to Ministers and their staff

Utu ā-tau | Salary
The midpoint of the salary range is $137,525 and the full range (85%-120%) is $116,897 - $165,030. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.
As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi.
We're also bringing in new ways of working to help us deliver Hōkai Rangi, with a range of new roles being formed as part of The Pathway Forward Te Ara Whakamua.
It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.
If you share the same passion for our work but feel this opportunity may not be the perfect fit for you, we encourage you to click here. We look forward to discovering more about you and exploring potential opportunities that align with your interests and skills.
To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. This role will close on Sunday 24th March.