Senior Policy Advisor

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• 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
• We are seeking two permanent Senior Policy Advisors to lead policy work and coach junior advisors.Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and placed in a role either in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit or the Criminal Justice Policy Unit.
• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit
• Your work will involve providing advice on topical and important matters such as improving court timeliness and stewardship, our legal aid system, and family law issues. The Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit works to strengthen trust in the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand, administering and providing advice on the legal frameworks, systems and policies that underpin courts and tribunals, family relationships, access to justice and the provision of legal services.
• Criminal Justice Policy Unit
• The Criminal Justice unit provides oversight of the criminal justice system through stewardship of key legislation and leadership on critical domestic and international criminal justice issues.
• Te āhuatunga a te tūranga / About the roles
• Our work in the 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.
• Ō pūkenga / Skills and Experience
• Senior Policy Advisors lead programmes of work, coach more junior staff and are supported by our Principal Advisor. These roles require a strong policy skill set. We are looking for someone with a proven track record in :
• Problem solving and analysis –
• Relationship skills –
• Work management skills –
• Communication skills –
• Advisory skills –
• In return, we will :
• prioritise 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 or equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience. Experience with the legislative process or a legal background 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.
• Mō mātou /
• 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 :
• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networksSee our full range of benefits .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 $110,766 to $154,680 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 16 November 2025. We may review CVs as they come in and invite candidates to interview before the close date.
• Other roles may come up in the Policy Group during the course of this recruitment. Please note that you may be considered for another role within the Group, depending on skills and experience.If you have any questions, please contact us on| Location : | Wellington City |

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