Senior Advisor opportunities

We are seeking experienced Senior Policy Advisors to shape impactful policies, drive legislative reform, and address complex challenges. Deliver strategic policy advice, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring policies are fit for purpose. You’ll have the opportunity to lead evidence-based solutions, provide expert insights on legislation, and contribute to meaningful outcomes.

We are seeking experienced Senior Policy Advisors to opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy work that addresses complex and evolving challenges across a range of critical areas.

You will have the opportunity to join a high-performing team responsible for developing and delivering strategic policy advice, supporting legislative reform, and collaborating with key stakeholders across government and other sectors. These roles offer the chance to shape policies that address some of the most issues facing New Zealand today.

The Role

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will lead the development of evidence-based policy solutions and driving legislative change. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure that policies are fit for purpose and responsive to emerging challenges. The roles also involve providing second-opinion reviews on briefings, ensuring high-quality outputs for decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of strategic policy initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and broader government priorities.
• Provide expert advice on legislative frameworks, including drafting, reviewing, and interpreting legislation to inform decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with operational subject matter experts (SMEs) and other stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex policy challenges.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the policy landscape.
• Prepare succinct, high-quality briefing materials in plain English for senior leaders and Ministers.
• Represent the organisation in consultations, working groups, and stakeholder engagements.
• Support cross-team collaboration by reviewing and providing feedback on externally-facing documents.
• Contribute to team-wide efforts by being flexible and adaptable in taking on additional responsibilities as needed.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings passion, expertise, and a collaborative mindset to this role. The ideal candidate will have:

Essential Criteria:

• A minimum of four years’ experience in public policy advice, including time spent as a senior policy advisor or equivalent role.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategy development and legislative processes, including drafting or interpreting legislation.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity while adding value through insightful analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly, and concisely.
• Proven relationship management skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working on cross-sector issues.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks or experience managing legislation within a public sector context.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge and bring your expertise in strategy development and legislative reform, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your CV.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence within this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Peita Ransom on +6444719798