Principal Policy Advisor

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Principal Policy Advisor (permanent)

• Are you a committed principal adviser or senior policy advisor looking to move into a principal role where you can have impact?
• Do you like being part of a collaborative team working at a fast pace to deliver some of the Government's top priorities and coaching and supporting others?
• A great opportunity to hone or develop your legislative skillset and take complex legislation through the House.
• $150K - $162K and flexible work/part-time considered.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This is a call for policy professionals to apply your skills and experience to those who most need you - children and young people involved with Oranga Tamariki.

We're looking for a Principal Policy Advisor to join our team, help build our culture and support our team members. You need to be committed to policy and advising Ministers, with a proven ability to draft Cabinet papers, Regulatory Impact Statements and Ministerial briefings under pressure. You will also be a trusted communicator, able to brief Ministers, senior officials and Select Committee and facilitate interagency processes on complex system issues.

Oranga Tamariki is at the forefront of change and has an ambitious legislative work programme as the government looks to lift performance across the youth justice and care and protection system. This is an opportunity to make a difference in the wake of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and hone or develop your existing legislative skill set. 

Collaboration is central to who we are —we listen to children, young people, families, and whānau, and work with key partners, including Māori, Pacific and disability communities, to shape evidence-based, impactful policy. Experience in engaging with partners and understanding these perspectives is highly valued. In this role, you will also work across the organisation and other departments.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Experience at a senior level in policy, including leading complex or challenging work
• Highly developed analytical, critical thinking and communication skills and ability to produce quality policy work quickly
• Compassionate and collaborative team member, able to provide peer support and coaching to diverse team members.
• Legislative experience desirable, though not essential
• A good understanding of policy implementation and the issues likely to impact on it
• Ability to represent the Ministry in cross-agency working groups
• Recognise and understand the circumstances and issues facing Māori in the communities the Ministry works with
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, in particular knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

We offer a vibrant, engaged and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow while also acknowledging that the current work programme is offering dynamic opportunities for growth for team members at all levels. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting children and young people at the heart of what we do.

Our vision is to ensure New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment of putting children first, we believe aroha is vital, we respect the mana of people, we are tika and pono, we value whakapapa and we recognise that oranga is a journey. 

Me pēhea te tuku tono  | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

 If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Hurry as applications for this role close on Monday 18th November

Our code of conduct sets our expectations for our kaimahi and requires them to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.