Principal Policy Advisers

Position Title:  Principal Policy Adviser  

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

Location:  Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

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

• Supportive and friendly work environment
• Permanent, full-time opportunity
• Wellington CBD based (Queens Wharf) | Modern Offices

About the Ministry of Transport   

The Ministry of Transport is the system leader 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.

About the opportunity

We are looking for two high performing candidates to join our Wellington office as a Principal Adviser working on policy issues in the Environment and Urban Development & Public Transport teams. You will work closely with your team manager to lead and shape a variety of key projects, and support more junior staff.

The Ministry’s Environment Team is responsible for climate change policy. The team’s work includes implementation of the Emissions Reduction Plan and aviation and maritime decarbonisation work programmes. The role may also include negotiating, on behalf of New Zealand, on decarbonisation measures proposed at meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation.

The Urban Development and Public Transport team focuses on integrating transport with land use, housing, and urban design to support well-functioning towns, cities and regions. As an integral component of effective cities, the team also leads advice on policy settings to support public transport. It is the Ministry’s key interface with other agencies on Resource Management reforms, Growing for Housing Growth, and regional deals.  

Across these roles 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.
• 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

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 ideally includes transport regulatory frameworks, associated government institutions, and the wider transport sector.
• 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 economics 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

For the role of Principal Adviser, Environment:

• experience in aviation or maritime transport policy is preferred, but not required
• experience in international negotiations is preferred, but not required

Salary range

The budgeted salary range for this role is $127,142 – $168,973 + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will be based on skills and experience.

What we offer

• Supportive, flexible 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
• Ability to rotate into different areas of the organisation, providing a great opportunity for exposure to other teams, improving your skillset and gaining valuable experience

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 3 November 2024.

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.