Policy Advisors (Level 2)

at  New Zealand Ministry of Justice

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 have a range of permanent positions available.

These roles are in our:

• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, which has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people’s experience in the justice system
• Criminal Justice Unit, responsible for a wide-ranging programme of work focused on delivering on government’s law and order priorities, alongside national security objectives, and
• Civil and Constitutional Unit, which focuses on policy issues related to the civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, electoral system, and human rights.

These roles are in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, Criminal Justice Unit and Civil and Constitutional Unit.

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 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 one year of full-time, relevant professional 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 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.

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.

• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, which has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people’s experience in the justice system
• Criminal Justice Unit, responsible for a wide-ranging programme of work focused on delivering on government’s law and order priorities, alongside national security objectives, and
• Civil and Constitutional Unit, which focuses on policy issues related to the civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, electoral system, and human rights

TE ĀHUATUNGA A TE TŪRANGA / ABOUT THE ROLE

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.

• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, which has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people’s experience in the justice system
• Criminal Justice Unit, responsible for a wide-ranging programme of work focused on delivering on government’s law and order priorities, alongside national security objectives, and
• Civil and Constitutional Unit, which focuses on policy issues related to the civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, electoral system, and human rights.

Successful candidates will be appointed to the Policy Group and will be placed roles in the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, the Criminal Justice Unit, or the Civil and Constitutional Unit.
If you are interested in a position in a specific policy unit, please ensure that your cover letter indicates this.

These roles are in our:

• Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, which has an important and ambitious programme of work to improve court timeliness and people’s experience in the justice system
• Criminal Justice Unit, responsible for a wide-ranging programme of work focused on delivering on government’s law and order priorities, alongside national security objectives, and
• Civil and Constitutional Unit, which focuses on policy issues related to the civil law, privacy protections, constitutional arrangements, electoral system, and human rights