Senior Advisors

About the role

You'll lead policy work from problem definition through to implementation. You'll take ownership of significant policy work, tackling complex problems and turning uncertainty into clear, practical advice for senior decision-makers. You'll work where policy, legislation, evidence and competing interests collide — where good judgement matters as much as good analysis.

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex, end-to-end policy projects and develop practical options and recommendations
• Develop policy options, recommendations and implementation approaches
• Draft and review Cabinet papers, ministerial briefings, talking points and other policy documents
• Interpret and contribute to legislative and regulatory frameworks, including statutory matters, advocacy, planning and permissions
• Assess evidence, impacts, risks and trade-offs, providing independent review and challenge
• Build effective relationships across government and with diverse stakeholders
• Apply Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through collaborative policy development and consultation

About you

• 5+ years' experience in policy, with experience at Senior Policy Advisor or strong Policy Advisor level within central or local government
• A sound understanding of legislative and regulatory frameworks, with experience interpreting and applying legislation
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capability, with the ability to identify meaningful options, risks and trade-offs
• Experience in statutory matters, including advocacy, planning and permissions
• Exceptional written communication and confidence providing advice to senior decision-makers
• Strong stakeholder and relationship-management skills, including experience working with diverse stakeholders
• The ability to apply Te Ao Māori perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through policy development and consultation
• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand