Principal Advisor

OverviewJoin to apply for the Principal Advisor role at Ministry of Justice - New Zealand.

Salary Range - $129,129 – $179,192.Te Haeata / The Opportunity : Do you want to be at the centre of change in Aotearoa New Zealand's justice system?

Are you drawn to the opportunity and challenge of getting justice sector organisations to work together to deliver better outcomes?

In This Role You WillIdentify what needs to be done to support agencies to work together to improve sector performance, and do what it takes to make that happenUse your relationship and influencing skills to bring people, resources and workstreams togetherProvide advice, in collaboration with agency colleagues, on what matters for improving justice sector performance including change prioritisation, investment trade-offs, aligning work programmes, and monitoring and reporting on progressCommunicate performance, risks and opportunities across the sector and to the Justice Sector Leadership Board in clear and compelling waysPlay a key role in connecting agencies and sector partners to ensure work is joined up, accountable, and delivering resultsMo Matou / About UsAt Te Tahu o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we are committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Justice Sector Directorate supports the justice sector in delivering outcomes, including providing strategic advice to the Justice Sector Leadership Board (JSLB), leading or supporting cross-sector work, and helping ensure effective use of funding across the sector.

The Directorate is housed in the Ministry of Justice and reports to the JSLB.

O Pukenga / Skills And ExperienceYou will work within the Directorate team to lead and deliver the ambitious work programme of the JSLB.

This position drives areas of focus for improving overall justice sector performance and prioritises actions that produce results.We Are Looking For People WithProven experience leading high-impact policy or programme initiatives to successful completion, proactively driving activity from planning through to executionStrong relationship management and influencing skills, with the confidence and ability to engage senior stakeholders on nuanced and challenging topicsPolitical and organisational savvy, with the ability to navigate resistance and maintain momentum in cross-agency environmentsExperience working with analytical frameworks and turning complex information into clear, actionable adviceExperience supporting and advising senior leaders such as Ministers and Chief ExecutivesAbility to see the big picture whilst sequencing practical steps to achieve changeExperience mentoring and developing colleagues to lift capability across a teamStrong communication and report writing abilitiesComfort working in ambiguity, with the ability to cut through complexity and find pragmatic solutionsResilience and adaptability to thrive in high-pressure environmentsA deep commitment to and evidence of placing the Treaty of Waitangi at the centre of decision-makingAn understanding of the justice sector and experience working in cross-agency settings (desirable but not essential)Nga painga o tenei wahi mahi / What\u2019s great about working hereExperience a 'whole of sector' view of the work being undertaken by the thousands of people within itBe in the centre of the action with access to senior leaders and decision-makersJoin a team that values delivery, agility and collaborationWork with smart, dynamic, and diverse colleagues passionate about making change happenBe in an environment where wellbeing is a priority and everyone is encouraged to support each other to deliver at work while maintaining a good work-life balanceTono mai / ApplyTo apply, click the button below.

You'll be directed to our Careers Website.

Please complete the online application, which includes submitting your CV and cover letter.For any queries, or if you would like to discuss the role further, please email

• close Saturday 20 September 2025You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply.

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