Senior Policy Advisor

Overview

Join to apply for the Senior Policy Advisor role at Public Defence Service - New Zealand.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Are you an experienced senior policy advisor with a proven track record? Do you want to help solve complex problems that impact the lives of New Zealanders?

We are 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.

Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit

Your work will involve providing advice on topical and important matters such as improving court timeliness and stewardship, our legal aid system, and family law issues. The unit strengthens trust in the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand by administering and advising on the legal frameworks, systems and policies that underpin courts, tribunals, family relationships, access to justice and the provision of legal services. There are two roles in this unit: one in the Courts Timeliness and Efficiency Policy team and the other in the Family Law team.

The Courts Timeliness and Efficiency Policy team works across a range of projects with various stakeholders to improve timeliness and efficiency across all our 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.

Ōpūkenga/Skills And Experience

Senior Policy Advisors lead programmes of work, coach junior staff and are supported by our Principal Advisor. We are looking for someone with a strong policy skill set and a proven track record in:

• problem solving and analysis – analyse complex policy issues and options for addressing them
• relationship skills – strong relationship management with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• work management skills – prioritise, plan and deliver on multiple workstreams
• communication skills – clearly and simply explain complex information for Ministers and other audiences
• advisory skills – extensive knowledge and understanding of the machinery of Government and public policy

In Return, We Will

• 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.

Mō Mātou/About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we are 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 for a workplace where people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves. We value respect as the foundation for a positive workplace culture and celebrate diversity.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $111,766 to $154,680, 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 the detailed position description and complete an online application by attaching your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday, 14 September 2025. CV review may occur as they are received, and successful candidates may be interviewed before the close date. From time to time other roles may arise in the Policy Group, and you may be considered for another role within the Group depending on skills and experience.

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

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Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Law Practice

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