Overview
Policy Advisor Level 2 Jobs in Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand at Ministry of Justice – New Zealand
Title: Policy Advisor Level 2
Company: Ministry of Justice – New Zealand
Location: Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Job Description
Policy Advisors Level 2 (Permanent and Fixed Term)
National Office – Wellington
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Do you want the opportunity to hone your policy expertise and contribute to solving complex issues that impact New Zealand's legal and justice systems?
We are looking for enthusiastic advisors seeking to develop their careers. We currently have multiple permanent positions and one fixed term position available.
Our work in the Policy Group is wide ranging, with opportunities to shape thinking and drive legislative change across the justice sector and all of government. We work at the interface of the executive, parliamentary and judicial branches of government. Our work is interesting and challenging, with a chance to apply your critical thinking and relationship management skills.
Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and will initially be placed in the Democracy and Open Government, Civil Law, Anti-Money Laundering or Criminal Law teams. Please note the position in the Criminal Law team is for a fixed-term role to August 2027.
Due to the nature of the work, this role is based out of Justice Centre in central Wellington.
Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit
The Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people's experience in the justice system. The Unit works to strengthen trust in the laws of Aotearoa New Zealand, administering and providing advice on the legal frameworks, systems and policies that underpin courts and tribunals, family relationships, access to justice and the provision of legal services.
Civil and Constitutional Unit
The Civil and Constitutional Unit focuses on policy issues related to the regulation of civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, the electoral system, and human rights. Work in the Unit is varied, underpinned by a strong focus on the rule of law, representative democracy and open government, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the separation of powers, and progressing human rights. The Unit is also responsible for the regulation of firearms in New Zealand.
Criminal Justice Unit
Work in the Criminal Justice Unit incorporates a broad focus on developments in criminal law, both internationally and domestically. The Unit plays a lead role in delivering advice in support of justice sector law and order priorities, including the development of new offences, approaches to sentencing, reducing harms, victims' rights and tackling international and organised crime. The Unit works with a range of stakeholders including those in the justice and social sectors, and national security agencies.
Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience
Policy Advisors (Level 2) in the Policy Group have some experience of the policy process or equivalent experience, and work with others to resolve complex and challenging issues.
The Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate
- Relationship skills – Do you have strong skills in engaging with diverse internal and external stakeholders, learning from their perspectives as well as influencing them?
- Problem solving skills – Can you think analytically and critically? Do you find complex problems interesting, and have a knack for solving them?
- Communication skills – Are you an excellent communicator? Can you write clearly, in a way that simplifies complex information? Do you ask questions to improve your understanding?
- Advisory skills – Do you have knowledge of machinery of Government and public policy?
- Work management skills – Are you able to plan, prioritise, and organise work to deliver on short and long-term projects?
In Return, We Will
- prioritise your well-being and professional development and ensure you are coached by experienced policy professionals, and
- provide opportunities to work with others on a broad range of intellectually challenging policy problems.
The successful candidates will have a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience. Applicants should have at least 12-18 months of full-time, relevant policy or legal experience (or a longer period of relevant part-time professional 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're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
Benefits
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:
- 4.4 weeks holiday leave
- flexible work hours where possible
- an online professional development portal
- access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $85,562 to $109,862 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 detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are applying for a permanent or fixed term role, and if you have a preference for the team that you'd like to be considered for.
We welcome all applicants and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair and respectful interview experience for shortlisted candidates. If there are any adjustments, we can make to support you during the application and interview process please contact us at [email protected] and we will work with you to make suitable arrangements.
Applications will be considered for interview as they are received.
Applications close on 18 March 2026.
If you have any questions, or would like to talk to one of our friendly Policy Managers about the Policy Advisor (Level 2) role, please contact [email protected]
Follow us on LinkedIn
