Senior Policy Advisers - Transport Financing and Investment Teams

Position Title:  Senior Policy Advisers

Team and Group:  Transport Financing and Investment Teams, Investment and Monitoring Group 

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

Location:  Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

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

Great opportunity to be involved in identifying and developing specific opportunities to accelerate the delivery of the government’s transport projects and programmes.

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 opportunities | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga

The Ministry’s Investment and Monitoring Group is looking for Senior Advisers to contribute, lead and support the achievement of the Ministry of Transport’s key objectives and work programmes.

The Investment and Monitoring Group is responsible for advising on investments across the transport sector, and monitoring and supporting the performance of those investments and the key transport sector agencies.

As a Senior Adviser in either the Transport Financing team or the Investment team, you will provide high quality, evidence-based policy advice and solutions to complex transport issues and provide an understanding of how innovative funding and financing instruments could be utilised to accelerate delivery of the governments transport objectives. The Senior Policy Advisers in these teams will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the intent of relevant legislation, budget processes, and funding and financing tools/ methodologies or experience in financial and/or economic analysis.

About the Transport Financing team

The Transport Financing team supports the Minister of Transport to identify and develop specific opportunities to accelerate the delivery of the government’s transport infrastructure priorities through the deployment of innovative financing instruments. 

About the Investment team

The Investment team provides advice and maintains oversight around the direction and performance of the transport investment system. The role can be wide, ranging from leading the development of the annual transport budget, developing and managing the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on land Transport, or providing advice on specific transport projects and investments.

Responsibilities include: 

• Scoping and planning policy projects in ambiguous and complex areas
• Providing robust policy advice that meets the needs of the Minister and key stakeholders – communicating complex issues and trade-offs clearly, succinctly, and persuasively
• Applying advanced frameworks and methods of analysis to identify policy and investment problems, analyse the issues, and identify and assess the policy and investment options
• Critically synthesising information from a wide variety of domains and using in-depth knowledge of the policy or investment area to draw sound conclusions based on the available evidence
• Leading engagement with delivery agencies, stakeholders and government agencies to ensure the advice provided is practical and effective
• Using appropriate project planning and management techniques, manage risks and coordinate work with others
• Providing guidance and on-the-job training and coaching to more junior team members.

Key Responsibilities – Transport Financing team

• Developing, testing, and implementing transport finance methods, methodologies, tools and policy frameworks that support the delivery of key transport projects and programmes. 

Key Responsibilities – Investment team

• Leading and developing policy and investment related advice on key transport projects (ie Waitemata Second Harbour Crossing) and programmes (ie workstreams relating to the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport)
• Leading and developing advice on the Crown budget process to support the transport system and/ or specific initiatives.

What you’ll bring | Te wāhi ki a koe

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g. commerce, economics, finance, accounting, public policy)
• Experience in policy development and analysis in the public sector and a sound understanding of Government policy-making procedures
• Applied experience and knowledge of financial and/or economic analysis
• Experience providing robust advice to Ministers and key stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of an organisation
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines.
  

In addition, and specific to the following teams you will be able to demonstrate the following.

Transport Financing Team

Knowledge and experience, or an interest in funding and financing tools, methods and approaches that can deliver transport finance projects and programmes.

Investment Team

Knowledge and experience, or an interest in the transport investment system, business case assessment and appraisal, the Crown budget and investment process, and/or major project delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity to draw on your previous relevant experiences and contribute to achieving the Government’s priorities that will have a positive impact across Aotearoa. Previous central government experience from within a similar environment, along with knowledge of the machinery of government, is desirable.

Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau

The base salary band for this position is $108,126 - $143,618 per annum per annum (+ KiwiSaver). The salary offered will reflect skills and experience and the Ministry’s salary relativities. 

What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou

• Supportive work environment and individual development plans
• Additional Ministry leave days
• 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, Sunday 1 December 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