Senior Policy Advisor

Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice is seeking two permanent Senior Policy Advisors to lead policy work and coach junior advisors. Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and placed in a role in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit. The Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit provides advice on legal frameworks, systems and policies that underpin courts and tribunals, family relationships, access to justice and the provision of legal services.

The Courts Timeliness and Efficiency Policy team works across a range of projects to improve timeliness and efficiency across all courts. The Family Law team administers legislation relating to the Family Court and family law, focusing on outcomes for users of the family justice system, including policy about the care of children and legal relationships such as adoption, marriage and civil unions, as well as law relating to family violence and relationship property.

The unit aims to strengthen trust in the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Lead programmes of work within the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit.
• Coach junior staff and be supported by the Principal Advisor.
• Provide advice on topical and important matters such as improving court timeliness and stewardship, the legal aid system, and family law issues.
• Contribute to policy development and lead complex projects across multiple workstreams.
• Engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders and manage relationships.

• Strong policy skill set with a proven track record in solving problems and analysing complex policy issues and options.
• Excellent relationship management skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong work management skills including prioritising, planning, and delivering across multiple workstreams.
• Clear and effective communication, capable of explaining complex information to Ministers and other audiences.
• Extensive advisory experience and knowledge of the machinery of Government and public policy.

• Prioritise your well-being and professional development.
• Empower you to coach others and be coached by experienced policy professionals.
• Provide opportunities to work on a broad range of important and challenging policy problems.

The successful candidates will have a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent 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.

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa. Joining the Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an inclusive organisation that values you and the communities we serve. We strive to create a workplace where people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves at work. We value respect as the foundation for building a positive workplace culture and a diverse and welcoming environment.

The appointing salary for this role will be between $111,766 to $154,680, based on skills and experience.

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view the detailed position description and complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. We may review CVs as they come in and invite successful candidates to interview before the close date. From time to time, other roles may come up in the Policy Group.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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