Senior Adviser People & Capability AND Senior Adviser Capability

Position Titles: Two vacancies; Senior Adviser – People & Capability AND Senior Adviser - Capability 

Team and Group:  People & Capability, Corporate Services 

Position Type:  Permanent, Full Time

Location:  Wellington CBD office

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The People & Capability (P&C) Team provides strategic and operational guidance, advice and support on all aspects of P&C for the Ministry.

We have recently completed a review of our Corporate Services group and as a result reviewed the structure and operating model in the P&C team.  This has resulted in an additional role to our team – Senior Adviser – People & Capability.

We are currently looking to fill two vacancies:

Senior Adviser – People & Capability
In this newly created role as the Senior Adviser you will provide senior level advisory advice and support. This is a generalist position where you will foster a positive work environment through effective employee and industrial relations, organisational development, and enhancing the skills and capabilities of our workforce, including less senior positions within the P&C Team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing timely, accurate, best practice services, advice and support to managers across a broad range of people matters including employment relations, performance management, workforce planning, recruitment, induction, remuneration, recognition and reward, development, and change management
• Interpreting and providing advice on policies, and terms and conditions of employment.
• Developing and improving HR policies, procedures and processes
• Supporting managers to establish effective approaches to engaging employees and workforce representative groups on matters affecting their work and working environment
• Allocating and overseeing work, coaching, mentoring, and supporting the People & Capability Advisors / Co-ordinator to develop their capability and ensure that the needs of managers are met and that the services and support provided are delivered to the highest standards.
  

You will bring:

• Strong experience and demonstrated successful capability in a similar role within the public sector
• Significant experience and demonstrated capability in successful communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills
• Significant experience and demonstrated successful capability in effectively building the capability of others, including the provision of guidance, coaching, and on-the-job training to others
• Strong experience dealing with ambiguity and influencing people and teams to embrace accountability, growth, and new ways of working.
  

Senior Adviser – Capability
In this role you will provide senior level advisory capability to the Ministry and deliver and implement our workforce strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering and Implementing the Ministry’s workforce strategy
• Leading the design, development, implementation and evaluation of learning and capability initiatives
• Building effective relationships with managers to provide coaching and support in the delivery of their people accountabilities
• Identifying the current and future capability needs of the Ministry and ensure that this is reflected in any learning strategies, frameworks, programmes and solutions
• Developing, delivering and monitoring the effectiveness of programs and initiatives to lift specialist/technical capability, and providing advice and guidance to the Ministry leadership team around capability and development related matters
• Ensuring that the Ministry capability and development work programme is effective at supporting the development of a highly capable workforce and is in-alignment with organisational priorities.
  

You will bring:

• Strong experience and demonstrated successful capability in a similar role in a complex organisation within the public sector
• Significant experience and demonstrated successful capability in effectively building the capability of others, including the provision of guidance, coaching, and on-the-job training to less experienced people
• Significant experience and demonstrated capability in successful communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills
• Excellent relationship management skills and be skilled at navigating stakeholder expectations while building trusted relationships.
• Strong experience dealing with ambiguity and influencing teams to embrace accountability, growth, and new ways of working
• A continuous improvement mindset and a practical, delivery focussed approach.

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The salary range for both roles is 109,208 - $140,000 per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect the skills and experience you bring and the Ministry’s salary relativities.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

You’ll be joining a small and agile agency with strong values. We maintain a flat structure and strive towards being a high-performing Ministry motivated to achieve success.

You’ll receive a range of employee benefits including but not limited to additional Ministry leave days, health and wellbeing benefits including wellness days and an annual wellbeing payment, and a welcoming range of employee networks.

You’ll enjoy working collaboratively across the wider ministry and transport sector and, relish the chance to take the helm to drive success and make your own mark.

Join us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.

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

The Ministry of Transport is an impartial, expert and trusted adviser to government, shaping transport for New Zealand. We work to deliver a well-functioning transport system that helps grow New Zealand’s economy and productivity. The Ministry’s values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai

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

You must have right to live and work in New Zealand and be based in Wellington or, be ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications for both roles close 5pm Wednesday 19 November 2025.

Interviews for both roles will be held during the week of 24 November 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Senior Adviser - Talent, Rebecca Bakker 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.

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