Senior Policy Advisor

About the role | Mo te mahi

We have an opportunity for a Senior Policy Advisor to join our Policy & Government Relations team at Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake on a fixed term basis until the end of October 2027.

Reporting to the Principal Policy Advisor, you will provide senior policy advice across strategic and operational matters, supporting high-quality decision-making for senior leaders, the Executive Leadership Team, the Board and the Minister. You will lead and contribute to policy projects, accountability documents, information requests and externally driven policy work, while helping to strengthen the quality and consistency of policy advice across NHC.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of high-quality policy advice across strategic and operational matters.
• Analyse complex policy issues, identify risks and trade-offs, and provide clear, evidence-based advice.
• Manage policy projects, including scoping, planning, analysis and delivery.
• Provide senior input into scheme-level, legislative, government and local government policy work.
• Lead or support responses to Official Information Act requests, Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial correspondence, Ombudsman enquiries and other serious complaints.
• Build strong relationships across NHC and with external stakeholders, while supporting the wider team through coaching and peer review.

Skills & Experience| Nga pukenga me nga wheako

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in a similar policy role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, tailored advice for different audiences.
• Sound judgement and critical thinking, with the ability to work through ambiguity and develop evidence-based options.
• Experience building trusted relationships and influencing senior leaders and stakeholders.
• A sound understanding of policy development processes and the New Zealand public sector environment.
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and equity considerations in policy advice.

What’s in it for you? | Nōu te rourou

• Competitive salary (including 3.5% superannuation)
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Commitment to your professional development
• Wellbeing fund | Access to inhouse Wellness Coach
• Hybrid working environment
• IT home bundle

Why NHC Toka Tū Ake is a great place to work

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake is an Aotearoa (NZ) Crown entity that invests in natural hazard research and education as well as providing natural hazard insurance to residential property owners.

NHC Toka Tū Ake mission is to reduce the impact on people and property when a natural hazard occurs while administering the natural hazard fund.

Our values define who we are; they influence the way we work with each other and the way we engage with homeowners, stakeholders and with communities, every day.

• Connection – hononga
• Curiosity – māhirahira
• Confidence – māia

He aha te mea nui o te au – he tāngata he tāngata he tāngata

What is the most important thing in the world; it is people, it is people, it is people.

Our commitment is a diverse and inclusive workforce because we know our culture thrives when we get this right.

We make a difference for all New Zealanders and strive to increasingly reflect the diversity of communities we serve by including and valuing perspectives from all backgrounds including ethnicity, religion, gender, age, accessibility needs, sexual orientation, and national origin.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

For a more detailed understanding of the position or if you're ready to apply, please visit our Careers website by clicking Apply. If you have any questions about the role or require further information or assistance, please contact us at [email protected]

Applications close Thursday 3 September 2026 at 5:00pm.

Note: While we acknowledge that AI can be helpful, we want your application to represent you. Please ensure your CV and cover letter reflect your own voice and experiences.

Applications sent via email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications as we receive them and reserve the right to close this advertisement early.