Senior Policy Advisor at NZ Ministry of Justice, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to help shape the future direction of Aotearoa New Zealand's response to family violence and sexual violence.

This is an opportunity to contribute to complex, system-wide policy issues that support the implementation of Te Aorerekura, the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. Working within the Strategy and Stewardship Group, you will provide high-quality policy advice, influence across agencies, and contribute to strategic investments and long-term system reform.

You will work alongside government agencies, Ministers, sector partners, iwi, and communities, helping to develop evidence-based policy solutions that improve outcomes for whānau and communities across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading complex policy projects and work programmes.
• Developing Cabinet papers, briefings, aide-mémoires, and ministerial advice.
• Providing strategic analysis and recommendations on cross-system issues.
• Building strong partnerships across government and the family violence and sexual violence sectors.
• Supporting Crown-Māori relationships and ensuring Te Tiriti perspectives are reflected in policy development.
• Contributing to long-term system stewardship, investment, and strategic planning.

Ō Pūkenga/Skills and Experience

We're interested in hearing from experienced policy professionals who can navigate complexity and deliver high-quality advice in fast-paced environments.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in policy development within central government or a comparable public sector environment.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex information and evidence.
• Experience preparing Ministerial, Cabinet, and executive-level advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to building effective Māori-Crown relationships.
• The ability to work collaboratively across agencies and disciplines to achieve shared outcomes.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience or knowledge relating to family violence and sexual violence policy, social policy, system reform, or public sector stewardship would be advantageous.

Mō mātou/About us 

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention supports the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence to deliver Te Aorerekura, New Zealand's national strategy to eliminate family violence and sexual violence. The Centre is hosted by the Ministry of Justice and works across government to coordinate collective action and drive long-term system change.

No single agency can eliminate family violence and sexual violence alone. The Centre brings a whole-of-system perspective and works alongside agencies, iwi, providers, and communities to ensure sustainable improvements are achieved.

Our work is guided by five values:

• Innovation and Auahatanga
• Equity and Ōritetanga
• Integrity and Tika, Pono
• Collaboration and Kotahitanga
• Compassion and Aroha

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here 

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include: 

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave 

• flexible work hours where possible 

• an online professional development portal 

• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks 

See our full range of benefits here. 

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career. 

Utu ā-Tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $112,766 to $154,680 – while the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.

Tono Mai/Apply

If you are motivated by influencing system-wide change and want to contribute to eliminating family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa New Zealand, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter via our careers site.

Applications close: 14 October 2026

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz and include 'MOJ/1948499' in your subject line. 

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