Senior Policy Advisor

**Mo te tunga | About the role**

You will coordinate the production of sound internal policy across the NZ Defence Force. This includes maintaining, improving, editing and planning the effectiveness of policy to ensure it's clear, consistent and fit for purpose.

A typical day could include:

- Providing pan NZDF leadership in the NZDF policy space.
- Reviewing, proofing and editing current policy documentation relating to Defence Force Orders (secondary legislation) and Instructions.
- Developing collaborative working relationships with all NZDF policy practitioners and key policy stakeholders, including the senior leadership team.
- Producing summaries to assist with clarity of information and decision-making.
- Managing the NZDF policy work planning alongside NZDF portfolio policy leads.
- Ensuring policies, procedures and business rules are documented, up-to-date and authorised.
- Forming relationships and networks with other agencies' policy representatives.

This is a great opportunity to contribute and lead a policy refresh, enable effective decision making and enhance NZ Defence Force's policy landscape.

This role is based at Defence House in Wellington CBD. You will need to work primarily in the office to be available to senior leaders and enable effective stakeholder engagement. Once you are established in the role you can negotiate flexible working arrangements. Occasional domestic travel is required.

**Please Note**:The formal title for this role within the NZDF is Senior Policy Advisor (Orders and Instructions).

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience**

You will be an experienced senior policy advisor who thinks strategically and practically while bringing together a range of varied policy perspectives, evidence based research and operational considerations. You will have strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence at a senior level.

You will also have:

- Excellent planning, organisational and judgement skills, with proven ability to meet deadlines within short timeframes and adapt to change.
- Effective communication skills including written, oral and listening skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively across management lines and influence others in order to deliver quality outputs in a timely manner.
- Creative and practical ideas to effectively solve problems.
- Good knowledge of New Zealand Parliament and government structures and processes, and secondary legislation.
- The ability to think methodically and respond quickly to complex issues.
- Thorough understanding of the New Zealand state sector and the machinery of government at a national level.

**Nou te rourou | What's in it for you**

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

**Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply**

Applications close on **Monday 24 February 2025**.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

**Please Note**:

- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

**Please Note**:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance
- You **must** be a New Zealand citizen **or** you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you **must** hold New Zealand Permanent Residence **or** have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, **and** you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
- You **must** have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a s