Senior/Policy Advisor - 3 positions at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jun, 26

Salary

137000.0

Posted On

25 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Policy Analysis, Legislative Processes, Critical Thinking, Budget Process, Treasury Experience, Conservation Issues, Cultural Awareness, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Stakeholder Management, Public Consultation, Project Leadership, Coaching, Agile Methodology

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Join one of our fun and exciting teams, always keen for the quiz and coffee! Three secondment/ fixed-term roles available in the policy directorate at DOC. Two roles in the Budget and Funding policy team (one for a six-month term & the other for 15 months) to help deliver a priority work programme. One role in the Biodiversity Systems policy team (12 months, to cover parental leave) to support a legislative work programme. Roles could be for either an Advisor or Senior Advisor, depending on experience. Wellington based. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Mō te tūranga | About the role Te Papa Atawhai DOC has an opportunity to shape and influence policy that drives transformational change in Aotearoa's conservation sector. As an Advisor or Senior Policy Advisor, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting robust policy advice for senior leaders and the Minister aligned with DOC's strategic direction and Treaty obligations. The positions will be focussed on: Leading analytical work (independently and as part of the wider team) to identify, develop and assess policy options. Providing high-quality briefings for Ministers and Cabinet, and consultation material for key stakeholders and the wider public. Influencing and supporting legislative and regulatory change that meets the needs of our Minister, Treaty partners, and senior leaders. A senior advisor will also play a leadership role, coaching policy advisors across the wider team and policy directorate, and supporting cross-team collaboration. We are recruiting for 3 x fixed term roles across the two teams: one for 6 months, one for 12 months, and one for 18 months. You will also be flexible to work across different policy areas as team priorities shift. Click here for Role Description Senior Policy Click here for Role Description Advisor Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience We are looking for motivated and passionate people with a genuine interest in environmental or conservation policy. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you: Strong policy analysis skills, including experience with legislative processes. Experience with the budget process and working at the Treasury. Strong critical thinking capability – adept at identifying critical issues and risks when undertaking policy analysis and provides pragmatic solutions to problems. Experience working in the environment sector and on conservation issues. Cultural awareness – understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi including the willingness to engage in Te Ao Māori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Māori. For a senior role, we will also be interested in applicants who may have: Proven experience leading complex project-based policy work in a pragmatic and agile way. Well-developed stakeholder management skills, including involvement in public consultation processes. Ability to mentor and manaaki other colleagues in their work. He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here. Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please clearly state which role you are applying for in your cover letter. We are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. The salary range for the positions as below with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience. Senior Policy Advisor - $96,185 - $137,000 Policy Advisor - $82,852 - $119,500 You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 08 April 2026. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz. Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

Roles involve leading analytical work to identify, develop, and assess policy options, and providing high-quality briefings for Ministers and Cabinet. Advisors will also influence legislative and regulatory change, with Senior Advisors taking a leadership role in coaching and collaboration.