Senior/Policy Advisor

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Craft robust policies aligned with DOC's strategic direction, provide high-quality policy analysis and advice, lead complex projects.
• Advise on some of the key policy challenges in New Zealand on tourism and economic development to support conservation objectives.
• Take advantage of a range of development and training opportunities across the organisation.
• Four weeks and three days annual leave per year pro-rata, flexible working options.
• Permanent full time, Wellington location.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

• protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
• managing threats and adverse impacts
• being a voice for conservation
• connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Join DOC to get involved in shaping future policy on a range of highly topical issues, ensuring conservation objectives are supported. Become part of a high performing team working on a diverse range of subjects including visitors and recreation, the Milford Opportunities Project and renewable energy generation.

As Senior Policy Advisor, you will undertake policy analysis and lead on complex and exciting policy projects in a fast-paced environment. Confidence and capability to develop robust and strategic policy advice that meets the needs of senior leaders and the Minister is essential. You will need to provide thought leadership, setting direction and collaborating with experts across DOC and other Agencies to ensure your advice is sound and evidenced- based.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• Demonstrated experience in complex policy analysis and machinery of Government
• Strong critical thinking capability – adept at identifying critical issues and risks when undertaking policy analysis and provides pragmatic solutions to problems.
• Excellent collaborator, building and maintaining relationships with a range of internal and external partners
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor advice and analysis to the needs of others
• Ability to mentor other colleagues in your work
• Cultural awareness – understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi including the willingness to engage in Te Ao Māori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Māori.

Desirable:

• A relevant tertiary degree, or equivalent experience
• Proven experience initiating and leading complex project-based policy work in a pragmatic and agile way.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Policy and Regulatory Services Group provides strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system. The Policy Directorate is responsible for internal statutory policy development, representing DOC in the development of policy by other government agencies and providing a key link between DOC and the Minister's office, and other policy agencies.

The Tourism and Economic Development (TED) Policy Team are an exciting and dynamic team responsible for supporting the Minister of Conservation with sharp, incisive advice to tackle some of DOC's most pressing conservation challenges. The TED Policy team are collaborative, agile, flexible and supportive of each other.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to wellbeing and professional development includes:

• flexible working opportunities suited to your role
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – cultural capability development programme
• Te Kāwai Aho Tapu – internal Māori network
• career development, secondment, and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

The salary range for this position is $92,918 – $124,535, with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 5 pm on Monday, 4 December 2023.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Nicola Molloy, nimolloy@doc.govt.nz 

Taupānga | Job reference: 6000/51008