Senior Policy Adviser

Position Title: Senior Policy Adviser

Team and Group: Regulatory Operations | Policy

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

Location: Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

Salary: $108,126 - $125,000 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)

• Establishment of new regulatory operations function
• Fixed Term until 31 March 2026 | Full Time
• Wellington CBD based (Queens Wharf)

About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mo matou Te Manatu Waka

The Ministry of Transport, Te Manatu Waka is the system leader for the transport sector whether it's on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We work in partnership with a number of transport agencies to help keep the transport system moving and are 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 the prosperity for New Zealanders.

At the Ministry of Transport, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a culture that is collaborative, bold, and invested. We have approximately 230 staff across our Wellington and Auckland offices.

About the opportunity | Nga whakamarama mo te tunga

The Ministry of Transport has established a Regulatory Operations team to deliver the Secretary of Transport's functions including new functions in the Civil Aviation Act 2023. The Act was enacted on 5 April 2023 and will commence on 5 April 2025. It replaces the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 and sets the foundations for the aviation regulatory system.

We are looking for a high-performing candidate to join our Wellington office as a Senior Adviser working on operational and regulatory policy and the establishment and provision of transport regulatory functions. This is a great opportunity to enhance your operational and regulatory policy skills while working in a strategic policy agency.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing guidance and on-the-job training and coaching to more junior team member
• Scoping and planning policy projects in ambiguous and complex areas
• Providing policy advice that meet the needs of the Minister communicating complex issues, using concepts clearly and succinctly
• Using appropriate project planning and management techniques, managing risks and coordinating work with others
• Contributing to multiple pieces of work concurrently and actively and independently planning and managing workload
• Leading engagement with some delivery agencies, stakeholders and government agencies to ensure the advice provided is practical and effective

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only.

What you'll bring | Te wahi ki a koe

We are looking for an experienced Senior Adviser to join our Regulatory Operations team on a fixed term basis (until 31 March 2026). You will ideally come from a regulatory agency and will have operated within a regulatory environment.

You will bring:

• Strong experience and demonstrated successful capability in regulatory and operational 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 regulatory or operational policy environments and/or the delivery of regulatory functions 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. 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.
• 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.
• An understanding of the aviation and transport sector would be desirable.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

This is an excellent opportunity to draw on your previous central government experience, in regulatory or operational policy or the delivery of a regulatory function.

Salary range | Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau

The base salary range budget for this position is $108,126 - $125,000 per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.

What we offer | Te wahi ki a matou

We pride ourselves on being an agile and pragmatic Ministry. We are a small, friendly and supportive agency with a flat structure and strong values. We'll provide you with a range of health and wellbeing benefits and tools to carry out your work including laptop, mobile and WFH IT equipment. Our modern Wellington office located in the heart of Wellington's scenic waterfront with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers, along with our welcoming employee network enhances the Ministry's working environment.

How to apply | Me pehea 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 16 February 2025

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Kitty McCool, Recruitment Adviser at k.mccool@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

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