Principal Policy Advisor

• Job Type: Permanent Full Time
• Category: Policy/Analysts
• Location: Wellington City
• Date Advertised: 24-NOV-25
• Job Reference: MOJ/1897109
• Job Title: Principal Policy Advisor
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• Job Duration:N/A
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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 programme. Work in the Justice Policy Group is wide ranging, with opportunities to shape thinking and drive legislative change across the justice sector and all of government. We work at the interface of the executive, parliamentary and judicial branches of government. Our work is interesting and challenging, with a chance to apply your critical thinking and relationship management skills.

We are seeking three Principal Advisors to lead policy work and coach more junior advisors, as follows:

• One fixed-term position (12 months duration) in the Human Rights Team
• One fixed-term position (9 months duration) in the National Security Team (secondments will be considered)
• One permanent position in the Firearms Team

Principal Advisors in the Policy Group bring deep policy experience to fill key leadership roles within our teams. They support capability, provide authoritative advice, and lead programmes of work on complex and sensitive issues across Criminal Justice policy, Courts and Justice Services policy, and Civil and Constitutional policy.

Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and will be initially placed in either the Human Rights or the Firearms teams in the Civil and Constitutional Unit, or the National Security Team in the Criminal Justice Unit.

Civil and Constitutional Unit

The Civil and Constitutional Unit focuses on policy issues related to civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, the electoral system, human rights and the firearms reform. Work in the Unit is varied, underpinned by a strong focus on the rule of law, representative democracy and open government, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the separation of powers, and progressing human rights.

Criminal Justice Unit

Work in the Criminal Justice Unit incorporates a broad focus on developments in criminal law, both internationally and domestically. We play a lead role in delivering advice in support of justice sector law and order priorities, including the development of new offences, approaches to sentencing, reducing harms, victims' rights and tackling international and organised crime. We work with a range of stakeholders including those in the justice and social sectors, and national security agencies.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

We are seeking applicants with proven policy skills. If you have experience as a thoughtful problem solver and you work well as part of a team, then we want to hear from you.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• leadership skills – Experience in leading others in significant policy projects, and applying a coaching approach to enhance the capability of advisors and senior advisors
• advisory skills – Extensive knowledge of machinery of government and public policy, and the ability to think critically and anticipate risks and test analyses
• communication skills – Excellent written and oral communication skills – in particular, the ability to present complex issues in an accessible way, ask questions to improve understanding, and influence decision-makers
• relationship skills – Strong skills in engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders, and incorporating their perspectives

In return, we will:

• support your well-being and professional development,
• empower you to coach others, and be coached by experienced policy professionals, and
• provide opportunities to work on a broad range of important and challenging policy problems.

Successful candidates will have a relevant tertiary qualification, knowledge, skills, and experience. Experience with the legislative process would be an advantage but is not essential. Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi analysis skills are highly desirable.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. This role is based at National Office in Wellington, so we are not able to consider applications for full-time remote work. We're open to discussing flexible working options that work for both you and the business.

For the role in the National Security team, a national security clearance is desirable, but not essential.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4 weeks holiday leave (Perm)
• 22 days holiday leave (FT)
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $129,129 to $179,192 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Wednesday 3 December. We may review CVs as they come in and invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact

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