Ministerial Advisor

**Ministerial Advisor (Level 2) to Hon Tama Potaka**
- Provide high level advice to the Minister
- Help communicate the policies and initiatives of our new Government
- High impact role | Based on site at Parliament | $116 -141k

**Mo tenei turanga - About the role**

The Hon Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation, Minister for Maori Crown relations: Te Arawhiti, Minister for Maori Development, Minister for Whanau Ora and Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) is seeking an experienced Ministerial Advisor to join his team. You will support the Minister by providing sound political advice which will lead to quality and timely decision making and ultimately enhance Government policy decision-making.

Being deeply involved in the Minister's delegated areas of responsibility, you will have the opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of the Executive Government of today. This is a unique opportunity to share, contribute and strengthen your political knowledge at the heart of Government decision making. It is unique and rewarding work, in a high impact and genuinely fast-paced environment.

You will be relied upon to have an excellent understanding of existing government and public service protocols and processes which leads to effective decision making. You will be known as someone who is able to think on your feet, solving a multitude of issues at any given point. Your communication skills and ability to quickly build effective working relationships within the Minister's team, peers and key stakeholders will result in you being sought out as a credible and reliable expert.

On any given day, you could be involved in responding to Official Information Act requests, Written Questions from the Opposition, contributing ideas for the programme of the House of Representatives, meeting with advocacy groups, attending joint Minister's meetings, discussing portfolio related issues with the Ministers' officials or assisting the Minister's staff to progress Government legislation.

The Minister values and requires a high level of trust and self-management, allowing you to work independently while contributing to team results. It is essential you can keep the Minister and staff informed of issues that impact on the workings of Government. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills along with attention to detail are essential. A relevant tertiary qualification and/or previous experience working in a ministerial office or Government department are highly desirable.

If you can interpret a wide range of information and resolve complex issues under pressure, this role may be just the next career move you are looking for.

This is an events-based position based on a 3-year parliamentary term. The likely appointment range for this role is $116,000 - 141,000 per annum.

**Ko tau na i tenei turanga - What you'll bring to the role**:

- You will have an awareness of and the ability to work in te ao Maori environments as well as an understanding of what it means to build meaningful and effective Maori Crown relationships under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- The successful applicant Ideally would have a level of Te Reo Maori proficiency.
- You will bring a history of achievement in the delivery of political, portfolio, or Government advisory work, with a strategic mindset and an excellent understanding of government and public service protocols and processes. Experience relevant to the Minister's portfolios would be advantageous.
- With a well-developed risk radar, you will be accustomed to anticipating and mitigating risk, operating on a "no surprises" basis, ensuring key risks are alerted to the Minister and Prime Minister's Office as appropriate.
- You'll be accustomed to the pressures that come with a high workload and the need to prioritise and manage your time effectively, and your written and verbal communication skills, paired with your attention to detail, are second to none.
- Relationships are important in this environment and your advanced communication and interpersonal skills will set you apart, building the confidence of the Minister, your wider team, coalition partners, and key stakeholders in the Ministers' portfolios.

To review the full job description, please click here.

**Ko wai matou - About us**

Ministerial Resourcing is the team within the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) responsible for ensuring Ministers' offices are suitably resourced with a range of highly skilled staff, who, in turn, provide a high level of support to the Minister, and ensure the smooth day to day running of their office.

As a Ministerial office staff member, you will be employed by DIA and supported by our dedicated team of Portfolio Managers. Our purpose is to serve and connect people, communities and Government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation. In other words, it's all about helping to make New Zealand better for New Zealanders.