Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Principal Advisor (fixed term)
National Office – Wellington
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Are you an experienced policy professional? Do you want to lead work to help solve complex problems that impact the lives of New Zealanders?
The Ministry of Justice has an ambitious and fast-paced work programme. We are seeking an experienced Principal Advisor to lead policy work and coach junior advisors. We currently have a fixed term position in the Access to Justice Policy team available through to mid-2026.
Work in the Justice Policy Group is wide ranging, with opportunities to shape thinking and drive legislative change across the justice sector and all of government. We work at the interface of the executive, parliamentary and judicial branches of government. Our work is interesting and challenging, with a chance to apply your critical thinking and relationship management skills.
The Access to Justice Policy Team seeks to ensure equitable access to the courts and other dispute resolution mechanisms that allow people to access civil justice and enforce their rights and responsibilities. This work includes providing advice on:
- supporting people who cannot afford to pay for legal advice to get assistance from lawyers and community law centres;
- the framework for and powers and procedures of our tribunals system; and
- policy and legislation which protects and promotes vulnerable people's rights.
Principal Advisors in the Policy Group bring deep policy experience to fill key leadership roles within our teams. They support capability, provide authoritative advice, and lead programmes of work on complex and sensitive issues.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
We are seeking applicants with proven policy skills. If you have experience as a thoughtful problem solver and you work well as part of a team, then we want to hear from you.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- relationship skills – Strong skills in engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders, and incorporating their perspectives
- leadership skills – Experience in leading others in significant policy projects, and applying a coaching approach to enhance the capability of advisors and senior advisors
- advisory skills – Extensive knowledge of machinery of government and public policy, and the ability to think critically and anticipate risks and test analyses
- communication skills – Excellent written and oral communication skills – in particular, the ability to present complex issues in an accessible way, and ask questions to improve understanding.
In return, we will:
- prioritise your well-being and professional development,
- empower you to coach others, and be coached by experienced policy professionals, and
- provide opportunities to work on a broad range of important and challenging policy problems.
Successful candidates will have a relevant tertiary qualification, knowledge, skills, and experience. Experience with the legislative process or a legal background would be an advantage but is not essential. Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi analysis skills are highly desirable.
Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $129,129 to $179,192 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on Sunday 22 June. We may review CVs as they come in and invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.
We may have future Principal Advisor opportunities arise. If you are an experienced and skilled Principal Advisor with a strong interest in Justice policy, we welcome your application
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
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