Principal Policy Advisor

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Provide leadership across government to improve regulatory quality
• Make a positive impact within a brand-new central agency
• Work in a collaborative environment that values your professional input

About the Ministry for Regulation

The Ministry for Regulation is a newly established small government agency with a big job to do.

We're here to improve the quality of regulation so all New Zealanders can flourish. We lead the regulatory management system (the set of policies, institutions, processes and tools employed by central government to pursue and maintain good quality regulation) and contribute to the design and operation of individual regulatory systems.

We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a 'can do' environment.    

About the Roles

The Ministry has three newly established Principal Policy Advisor opportunities within the Policy Group.

The Policy Group's core functions are to:

• Provide strategic co-ordination and oversight of the regulatory management system Lead thinking on regulatory stewardship and support the public sector to meet its obligations.
• Oversee and run the regulatory impact analysis system.
• Provide second-opinion advice on significant regulatory proposals across government.

The Principal Policy Advisor will offer strategic advice to senior officials across the organisation, whilst taking responsibility for delivery of complex policy advice.

The position functions in a complex and ever-changing environment. We are looking for experienced individuals who are enthusiastic about joining one of the three teams listed below.

Regulatory Policy Design Team

The successful candidate will bring strong policy analysis skills and a good understanding of economics and the regulatory policy-making process. Experience of regulatory economics would be an advantage. You will have excellent thought leadership skills and be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the machinery of government.

Offering strategic advice to senior officials across the organisation will be key, whilst taking responsibility for delivering and managing large complex projects.

Role responsibilities and focus of the team:

• Improving the quality of regulatory analysis by engaging with other agencies on significant regulatory proposals .
• Advising our Minister on significant regulatory proposals as require.
• Providing oversight of the regulatory impact analysis system.
• Navigating complexity and ambiguity and being able to quickly identify key issues and priorities to take forward.

Regulatory Stewardship Team

The successful candidate will possess strong policy analysis skills and be able to successfully build and navigate cross-agency relationships. Experience with regulatory stewardship is a plus. You will support the team manager in the running of the team and supervise the work of other team members, guiding them to navigate complexity and ambiguity to successfully deliver a challenging work program.

Responsibilities and focus of the team:

• Leading thinking on regulatory stewardship, including providing support and guidance to agencies that want to develop their regulatory stewardship practice, and identifying and addressing cross-cutting barriers to high-quality regulation.
• Advising the Government on how best to comply with New Zealand's international regulatory obligations and supporting agencies to meet these expectations.
• Advising on improvements to the regulatory policy-making process.

Regulatory Management System Team

The successful candidate will support policy advice on the Regulatory Standards Bill and guide it through parliamentary processes, working closely with others in the team and wider Ministry. You will also take the lead on other areas of the Regulatory Management System and work to improve the system over time.

The Regulatory Standards Bill, which is a commitment in the Act-National coalition agreement, aims to provide a benchmark for good regulation through a set of principles that all regulation should comply with, and supporting transparency and accountability mechanisms.

Role responsibilities and focus of the team:

• Advising our Minister on the Regulatory Standards Bill.  Once passed, this team will have a lead role in the implementation and stewardship of the Bill, and associated initiatives.
• Providing advice on, and delivery of, other improvements to the Regulatory Management System.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to be directly involved as we stand up a new central agency.
• Work within a dedicated and supportive team, with a strong delivery focus, who values diversity of thought and knowledge sharing is encouraged.
• An opportunity to build a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge quickly that will benefit you throughout your policy career.
• Flexible working options.

Please see the attached job description Principal Policy Advisor for further information.

Salary range: $127,142 - $168,973 dependent on skills and experience.

How to apply:

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application. 

Applications close on Sunday 15th September 2024.