Position Title: Principal Policy Adviser
Position Type: Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)
Location: Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf) / 2x flexible WFH days per week
Salary: is $127,142 – $168,973 per annum (+ Kiwi Saver)

• Supportive and friendly work environment
• Small agile and performance-focused government agency
• Wellington CBD based (Queens Wharf) | Modern Offices

About the Ministry of Transport
The Ministry of Transport is the system leader for transport in New Zealand. The Ministry is the government’s principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment. We play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve prosperity for New Zealanders.


The Ministry is a small, agile, and friendly organisation which maintains a culture that is collaborative, bold, and invested.


About the opportunity
We are looking for high performing candidates to join our Wellington office as a Principal Adviser working on policy issues. You will work closely with your team manager to lead and shape a variety of key projects.
Across these roles your key responsibilities will include:

• Partnering with the manager to drive the team’s work programme and contributing to the development and implementation of the team’s strategy.
• Providing policy advice and leading key projects and project teams in risky, complex, ambiguous, or sensitive policy areas.
• Applying economic principles and frameworks in your advice and examining tradeoffs, efficiency and value for money.
• Taking a leadership role in cross-Ministry and cross-government policy issues and negotiations.
• Coaching and mentoring staff to enhance team performance and capability.
• Establishing and developing strong 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
You will bring extensive strategic policy development experience in central government organisations, and:

• A deep understanding of the policy process, including machinery of government knowledge that ideally includes transport regulatory frameworks, associated government institutions, and the wider transport sector.
• A reputation for delivery and meeting deadlines with demonstrated experience in a policy leadership role.
• Experience in leading and coaching staff.
• Exceptional written and analytical ability.
• A strong grasp of public policy development and principles of economics.
• Demonstrated experience working with and supporting senior decision-makers, including Ministers, to deliver outcomes.
• A strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels, internally and externally - gaining trust quickly and navigating difficulties swiftly.
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field

Salary range
The budgeted salary range for this role is $127,142 – $168,973 + Kiwi Saver. The salary offered will be based on skills and experience.


What we offer

• Supportive, flexible work environment and individual development plans
• Laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment
• Modern offices located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A range of employee led networks

How to apply
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 22 September 2024.
Depending on the number of applications received, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Kitty Mc Cool, Recruitment Adviser at k.mccool@trnasport.gotvt.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


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