Senior Policy Advisor

Ministry of Justice

Wellington City, NZ

1d ago

Senior Policy Advisor, Policy Business Unit

3 permanent positions

1 fixed-term position

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga / About the Role

Do you want to help solve complex problems with real life impact on Aotearoa New Zealanders' ability to access justice or be involved in the reform of Family Law in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Do you want to be part of a team that values Ngā Ao Māori approaches and applies Te Tiriti o Waitangi to our policy development and advice?

We're looking for experienced Senior Policy Advisors to join our Access to Justice, Family Law and Civil Law and Human Rights policy teams.

In these roles, you'll lead a programme of work, support others to resolve complex and challenging issues, and manage a range of relationships.

The Access to Justice team seeks to ensure equitable access to the courts and other dispute resolution mechanisms that allow people to enforce their rights and responsibilities.

We work closely with the judiciary and legal profession to improve access to civil justice in Aotearoa New Zealand. This work includes providing advice :

To inform the Government response to the New Zealand Law Commission's review of surrogacy

On our tribunals system, which helps resolve people's civil disputes

Relating to regulation of the legal profession (we work closely with the New Zealand Law Society and other legal bodies), and

On policy and legislation which protects and promotes vulnerable people's rights

The Family Law team aims to improve outcomes for all users of the family justice system. Our current work programme includes :

Driving change in the family justice sector

Leading the Government's adoption law reform and

Advising on a range of legislation and policy relating to the Family Court and family law

The Civil Law and Human Rights Team is responsible for a wide array of policy and legislation and has a unique role in protecting and upholding human rights. Our work includes :

Vetting Bills for consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990

Responding to the recommendation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch masjidain relating to hate speech

Policy advice on diverse issues, such as property law and the Human Rights Act 1993

Reporting on New Zealand's core international human rights treaties.

He pūkenga tou / Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate :

Relationship skills. Do you care about helping people and have a strong sense of integrity? Are you self-aware and trustworthy, with a willingness to learn from others?

Leadership skills. Can you take the initiative on issues, coach and lead others to solve complex problems?

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?

You will also :

Be committed to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi

Bring an understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Reo Māori me onā tikanga

Experience with the legislative process or a legal background would be an advantage, but is not essential.

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 and lead a broad range of intellectually challenging policy problems

Provide a flexible working environment

Mō te tīma / About our Team

When you choose to work in the Policy Group at Justice you'll join a successful group that is focused on making New Zealand a safe and just society.

We are committed to honouring our commitments under te Tiriti o Waitangi.

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're 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.

It's our promise to ensure our workplace is one where our people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves at work.

We value respect as the foundation for building a positive workplace culture and one where diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

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