Senior Policy Adviser

Position Title: Senior Policy Adviser  

Team and Group: Transport Financing, Investment and Monitoring Group

Position Type: Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)

Location: Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)

Salary:  Base Salary $109,208 - $145,055 + KiwiSaver & mobile

• Shape thinking and work on priority issues for the Ministry and Minister of Transport

• Influential role in a small agency where you can work face-to-face, close to decision makers, and without silos

About the Ministry of Transport  

The Ministry of Transport is the governments adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment. We play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve prosperity for New Zealanders. The Ministrys values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.

About the opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic, autonomous, and high-performing senior policy professional to join the Transport Financing Team at the Ministry of Transport.

In this role, you will lead the Ministrys advice on the transport Crown Entities funding reviews, and provide support the Transport Financing Teams wider work programme.

Funding reviews are a powerful opportunity to ensure transport agencies have the resources they need to deliver on their statutory responsibilities - while also giving users and Ministers confidence that public funds are being managed efficiently, transparently, and with accountability.

The Ministry of Transport plays a central role in shaping these reviews, providing strategic advice to Ministers to help drive value for money at a reasonable cost by ensuring funding decisions are grounded in evidence, aligned with good practice, and focused on delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders.

Youll bring together insights from our policy and monitoring functions, and your ability to navigate financial trade-offs, to assess how agencies are performing and how their regulatory and operating models support their funding needs.

This role is an excellent fit for those people who bring a collaborative and constructive approach to navigating complex challenges, and who can apply their critical thinking to provide sound and pragmatic recommendations.

Working in the Transport Financing Team you will also have the opportunity to develop your economic, commercial, and financial skillsets by supporting the wider teams work programme which includes advice on things like the Waitematā Harbour Crossing, Public Private Partnerships, and other projects involving private capital like Toll Road Concessions.

Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only. 

What youll bring

As a senior adviser you will demonstrate strong experience and successful capability in:

• policy development and analysis in the public sector, with a strong understanding of government policy-making procedures, and good political nous;

• end-to-end delivery of large policy projects/programmes, while working under pressure and managing tight timelines;

• the policy process and machinery of government, including understanding regulatory frameworks, interpreting legislation, and knowledge about associated government institutions;

• successfully building and maintaining effective working relationships at all levels, internally and externally, including influencing others to achieve outcomes;

• strong numerical analysis skills including an understanding of key economic, fiscal and statistical concepts;

• successful communication and influencing skills, including using a range of oral, written and visual mediums to communicate effectively to diverse audiences and situations;

• clear written advice, where you nail the pitch, tone, clarity and conciseness every time;

• strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including successfully applying problem-solving skills to draw sound conclusions and provide appropriate advice or decisions; and

• effectively building the capability of others, including the provision of guidance, coaching, and on-the-job training to less experienced people;

• tertiary qualification in a relevant field (such as public policy, economics, or law).

Salary range

The base salary range is $109,208 - $145,055 (mid-point $120,878) + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect the skills and experience you bring.

What we offer

Youll be joining a small and agile agency with a flat structure and a focus on continuous improvement. Youll receive a range of employee benefits including:

• an exciting work programme, including engagement with senior leaders and Ministers

• a small and agile central government agency with strong values, operates a flat structure and strives towards being a high-performing Ministry

• supportive work environment and individual development plans

• laptop, mobile and work from home IT equipment

• a range of employee-led networks.

 Join us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.

How to apply

To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.

Applications close midnight, Wednesday 8 October 2025.

For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Rebecca Bakker, Senior Recruitment Adviser at ********@transport.govt.nz. 

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, and supported.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at ************@transport.govt.nz.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. 

Information :

• Company : Ministry of Transport NZ
• Position : Senior Policy Adviser
• Location : Wellington Central, North Island
• Country : NZ