Principal Policy Adviser

About this role

PRINCIPAL POLICY ADVISER (experienced or seeking first principal role)

• achieve tangible change as a policy leader working on topical criminal justice issues
• lead the legislative process for a bill in the House of Representatives
• collegial and stable team in a small policy unit with a focus on professional development.

‘Kotahi anō te kaupapa: ko te oranga o te iwi' - ‘There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people'

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a principal policy adviser you will work in a fast-paced environment in the legislative policy team responsible for the Corrections Act 2004 and Regulations 2005, and Public Safety (Public Protection Orders) 2014, which are centred on improving public safety and contributing to the maintenance of a just society. We also jointly administer the Parole Act 2002 and Sentencing Act 2002 with the Ministry of Justice.

You will develop policy analysis for the Minister of Corrections, Cabinet, and senior leaders, that has a tangible impact on the people in our management and the criminal justice sector.

Our policy is varied, and you will also work pro-actively with government partners Police, Oranga Tamariki, and the Ministry of Justice, as well as the non-government sector. To give you a flavour of the kind of work you will do you can read one of our Cabinet papers. The successful candidate will lead the legislative component of policy changes that we publicly consulted on in early 2025 as it moves through the House of Representatives as well as working on a broad range of criminal justice policy issues.

You will also review complex policies developed by other agencies on a wide variety of subjects. In the past year, for example, our policy unit has responded to proposals relating to cross-government anti-terror legislation and strategies, gender diversity and human rights issues, youth offenders, organised crime, and immigration settings.  

 

Mōu | About you  

We encourage you to apply for this role if you have a relevant university degree, have experience drafting and leading legislative amendments through the House, a strong interest in criminal justice issues, and have experience as a policy leader developing advice for ministers and Cabinet for legislative work programmes.

You may be an experienced principal seeking new challenges or ready to step up to your first principal role.

Alongside the extensive and recent experience with legislative policy, our ideal candidate will have critical thinking skills, a highly developed ability to understand and define problems, and significant experience:

• advising ministers and senior leaders
• researching and developing complex, evidence-based policy for legislative or regulatory amendment
• in policy leadership including coaching and mentoring, and
• collaborating across an organisation to build consensus.

You should also have an understanding of Māori policy issues in the justice sector, or be willing to learn. Building matauranga Māori capability across our organisation is a key goal.

We will provide you with a collegial working environment in a busy team, with a professional development programme designed to support your immediate goals and longer-term career aspirations.

 

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The midpoint of the salary range is $141,651 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $120,404 - $169,982 per annum.   

Appointments will be based on skills and experience relevant to the role. We have flexible start dates and working arrangements although you will need to be based in the Wellington region.

 

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday 3rd August 2025.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Tom.Nicholas@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.