Senior Adviser - Commercial

Position Title: Senior Adviser - Commercial 

Team and Group: Transport Financing, Investment and Monitoring group 

Position Type: 24-month fixed-term, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location: Wellington CBD office (currently located on Queens Wharf)

Base Salary: $127,142–$168,973 per year + KiwiSaver + Mobile & laptop

We are looking for an enthusiastic, autonomous, and high-performing Senior Adviser to join the Transport Financing team. You will have the opportunity to shape thinking, work on priority issues, and influence outcomes for the Ministry and Minister of Transport.

This is a unique opportunity to support and deliver complex transport infrastructure projects through high-quality and tailored advice for the New Zealand Government. You will work closely with experienced professionals, including private investors and government agencies, to deliver innovative funding, financing and commercial solutions.

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

The Ministry of Transport is the system leader for the transport sector, whether it’s on land, at sea, or in the air. We are the government’s adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment and play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity of New Zealanders. The Ministry prides itself in valuing integrity, excellence, and collaboration.

 
About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The Transport Financing team works across the Ministry and with key stakeholders to provide economic, financial, and commercial advice to the Minister of Transport. 

The Team has a varied and interesting work programme, liaising closely with private and public entities to progress transport projects and support asset-level transactions.

We are currently leading Market Sounding on Toll Road Concessions where we are building relationships with global and national investors, concessionaires, toll road operators, and iwi to understand the viability of increased private investment in this asset class. Subject to government decisions, this work would see us move into scoping studies and transactions.

We are also closely involved in other opportunities to leverage financial modelling, due diligence, capital structuring, and valuations advice to support projects like the Waitematā Harbour Crossing.

The team also works closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency to understand its balance sheet and assess the financial and fiscal sustainability of the National Land Transport Fund.

As a Senior Adviser – Commercial, you will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to convey complex information succinctly through your written and verbal communication skills. Ideally you will have had experience delivering challenging messages to stakeholders that could be translated into delivering similar messages for Ministers or C-Suite Executives.

The work involved includes: 

• Financial, commercial, and economic advice – providing robust advice that meets the needs of the Minister and key stakeholders and communicates complex issues and trade-offs clearly, succinctly, and persuasively;
• Stakeholder engagement – building and maintaining relationships with private investors, public stakeholders, and iwi to deliver financing and commercial solutions that recognise varying needs and incentives;
• Problem solving – critically synthesising information from a wide variety of domains and using in-depth knowledge and relationships to draw sound conclusions that support pragmatic steps forward;
• Project planning and management – scoping and delivering financing projects, managing risks, and co-ordinating with stakeholders to prepare strategy and information documents, provide valuation analysis, and undertake project due diligence (e.g. data rooms)
• Mentoring and Coaching – providing guidance and on-the-job training and coaching to more junior team members.

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

As a senior adviser you will demonstrate strong experience and successful capability in:

• applying commercial and/ or economic analysis to consider benefits, cost, risks, and value-for-money of proposed projects and investments;
• developing advice on funding and financing tools (e.g. financing models and the implications for debt and revenue) and methods relevant to the transport sector. This includes an understanding and application of financial analysis, valuation methodologies, due diligence requirements, and commercial structuring on asset-level transactions in sectors such as infrastructure, transport, and utilities;
• undertaking commercial, financial or economic advice development and analysis in the public or private sector with a solid understanding of commercial decision-making procedures, and good political nous;
• delivering large projects/programmes end-to-end, while working under pressure and managing tight timelines;
• building and maintaining effective working relationships at all levels, internally and externally, including influencing others to achieve outcomes;
• undertaking numerical analysis, including an understanding of economic, fiscal and statistical concepts;
• communicating and influencing skills, including using a range of oral, written and visual mediums to articulate complex topics effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of situations;
• writing advice, where you nail the pitch, tone, clarity and conciseness every time;
• applying analytical and critical thinking skills, including successfully using problem-solving skills to draw sound conclusions and provide appropriate advice to support decisions; and
• effectively building the capability of others, including the provision of guidance, coaching, and on-the-job training to less experienced people.

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary range is $127,142 - $168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver). Mid-point of the band is $144,331. The salary offered will reflect the skills and experience you bring.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

• A supportive, friendly, and high-performing work environment and team motivated to achieve success
• An engaged manager passionate about individual and team development and wellbeing  
• An exciting work programme, including engagement with senior leaders and Ministers
• Additional Ministry leave days, and a range of health and wellbeing benefits including wellbeing days
• Modern offices discreetly located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A welcoming range of employee 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.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 20 August 2024.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Rebcca Bakker (Senior Recruitment Adviser) at r.bakker@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.