Principal Policy Adviser

Position Title: Principal Policy Adviser

Position Type: Fixed Term until 30 June 2025, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location: Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

Salary: $127,142 – $140,812 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

• Opportunity for an experienced senior to step into a principal role
• 6-month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity | Full Time
• Wellington CBD based (Queens Wharf)

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka

The Ministry of Transport, Te Manatū Waka is the system leader for the transport sector whether it’s on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We work in partnership with a number of transport agencies to help keep the transport system moving and are the government’s principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment. We play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity for New Zealanders.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a culture that is collaborative, bold, and invested. We have approximately 230 staff across our Wellington and Auckland offices.

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

We are looking for a high performing candidate to join our Wellington office as a Principal Adviser working on policy issues in the Revenue team. You will work closely with your team manager to lead and shape a variety of key projects, and support more junior staff. This position is fixed-term until 30 June 2025 to cover a staff member who is has been placed on a secondment elsewhere in the Ministry.

The Revenue team is responsible for policy issues regarding the land transport’s system for raising revenue, including fuel excise duty and road user charges settings, road tolling and time of use charging. The team also contributes to the Ministry’s work regarding the transition of the light vehicle fleet to road user charges, and funding reviews of agencies within the transport system.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Partnering with the manager to drive the team’s work programme and contributing to the development and implementation of the team’s strategy
• Leading the progress of legislation relevant to the team’s work programme
• Providing policy advice and leading key projects and project teams in risky, complex, ambiguous, or sensitive policy areas
• Applying economic principles and frameworks in your advice and examining tradeoffs, efficiency and value for money
• Taking a leadership role in cross-Ministry and cross-government policy issues and negotiations
• Coaching and mentoring staff to enhance team performance and capability
• Establishing and developing strong relationships across other transport sector agencies and the wider government sector
  

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only. 

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

You will bring extensive strategic policy development experience in central government organisations, and:

• A deep understanding of the policy process, including machinery of government knowledge that includes the legislative process
• A reputation for delivery and meeting deadlines with demonstrated experience in a policy leadership role
• Experience in leading and coaching staff
• Exceptional written and analytical ability
• A strong grasp of public policy and economic principles
• Demonstrated experience working with and supporting senior decision-makers, including Ministers, to deliver outcomes
• A strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels, internally and externally - gaining trust quickly and navigating difficulties swiftly
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• An understanding of land transport policy is preferred, but not required

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary range budget for this position is $127,142 – $140,812 per annum (+ KiwiSaver). The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

• Supportive work environment and individual development plans
• Laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment
• Modern offices discreetly located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A range of employee led networks

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 24 November 2024.

Please note, we may be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates before the closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. 

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Recruitment Adviser, Kitty McCool at k.mccool@transport.govt.nz

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz