Senior Policy Advisers - Environment and Maritime & Freight

Position Title:  Senior Policy Advisers

Teams: Environment and Maritime & Freight

Group: Policy

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

Location:  Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf

Salary: $108,126 – $143,618 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

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.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a high performing work culture. Our modern office at the waterfront further enhances the Ministry’s working environment.

About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

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

About the Environment team

The 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.

About the Maritime and Freight team

The Maritime & Freight team is responsible for providing multi-modal advice to support the effective and efficient operation of our domestic and international freight and supply chain system. It also coordinates the Ministry’s work on maritime issues (excluding maritime security) and maritime legislation.

Across these roles your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing policy advice, including end-to-end delivery of large policy projects/programmes, while working under pressure and managing tight timelines
• Applying economic principles and frameworks in your advice
• Coaching and mentoring less experienced staff
• Building and maintaining working 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

• Strong experience and demonstrated successful capability in policy development and analysis in the public sector with a solid understanding of government policy-making procedures, and good political nous
• Strong experience and demonstrated successful capability in end-to-end delivery of large policy projects/programmes, while working under pressure and managing tight timelines.
• Strong knowledge, experience and demonstrated successful capability in the policy process and machinery of government, including understanding regulatory frameworks, interpreting legislation, and knowledge about associated government institutions, across multiple portfolio areas
• Strong experience and demonstrated capability in successfully building and maintaining effective working relationships at all levels, internally and externally, including collaborating with others to achieve outcomes, and influencing the agenda
• Strong numerical ability, experience and demonstrated capability in successfully applying financial analytical concepts in various scenarios.
• Significant experience and demonstrated capability in successful communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills. Uses a range of oral, written and visual mediums to communicate effectively to diverse audiences and situations.
• Significant analytical and critical thinking skills, experience and demonstrated capability in successfully applying analytical frameworks, including non-financial concepts to draw sound conclusions and make appropriate decisions.
• 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
• A relevant tertiary qualification. 

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The salary range for this position $108,126 to $143,618 per annum (+ KiwiSaver). Mid-point of the salary band is $122,673. The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

• Supportive work environment and individual development plans
• Modern offices located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A range of employee 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 | 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 26 January 2025.

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 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.