Principal Policy Adviser

Position Title:  Principal Policy Adviser  

Team and Group:  Strategic Priorities | Sector Strategy  

Position Type:  Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location:  Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

Salary: $127,142 – $168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

• Use your strategic policy skills to lead and influence on high-priority issues
• Permanent, full-time opportunity | Small, agile & performance-focused agency
• Wellington based only | Waterfront location on Queens Wharf

About the Ministry of Transport   

The Ministry of Transport is the system lead for transport in New Zealand. The Ministry is 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 prosperity for New Zealanders.

The Ministry is a small, agile, and friendly organisation which maintains a culture of integrity, excellence and collaboration.

About the opportunity

The Strategic Priorities team is responsible for a variety of high-impact projects. 

Key responsibilities will include:

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

Due to the nature of the work required, this position is Wellington-based only. 

What you’ll bring

You will bring demonstrated capability in:

• Leading policy development and analysis in central government, with a deep understanding of government policy-making procedures, and excellent political nous.
• Planning and managing large, complex, risky, ambiguous, and sensitive policy projects/programmes, working with and through others to achieve this, and under pressure to meet tight timelines.
• The policy process and machinery of government, including understanding regulatory frameworks, interpreting legislation, and knowledge about government institutions across multiple portfolio areas.
• Proactively building and maintaining effective working relationships and networks at all levels, internally and externally, including collaborating with others to achieve outcomes, and influencing the agenda.
• Adding significant value when applying financial or analytical concepts.
• Communication (written and verbal). You must be able to use a range of oral, written and visual mediums to communicate and influence effectively to diverse audiences.
• Drawing well-considered conclusions and making good decisions on difficult issues.
• Building the capability of others, including proactive coaching and development.

A relevant tertiary qualification is also required.

Salary range

The starting base salary for this position is $ 127,142- $168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver). The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer

• Supportive work environment and individual development plans
• Laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment
• Modern offices 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

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 2 March.

Depending on the number of applications received, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

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

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, and supported.

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

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.