Senior Policy Adviser, Mobility & Safety at Ministry of Transport, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Want a role in a supportive organisation that prides itself in its flat structure and flexible working arrangements?
• Want to influence transport decisions that impact all New Zealanders?
• Want to lead policy projects and guide others to develop their policy skills.
• Permanent, full time Wellington based opportunity

We are looking for high-performing Senior or experienced Policy Advisers to join the Mobility and Safety team at Te Manatū Waka – Ministry of Transport.



He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka | About Ministry of Transport

Te Manatū Waka, Ministry of Transport, is the system leader for the transport sector whether it's on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We are the government's principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment and play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity for New Zealanders.



At Te Manatū Waka, we pride ourselves on being a small, agile, and friendly Ministry, which maintains a work culture based on our values – Bold, Invested and Collaborative. Our modern offices located in the heart of the waterfront further enhances the Ministry's working environment.



Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga | About the opportunity

You will be joining the Mobility and Safety team which is focused on:

• ensuring the public transport system is fit for purpose, accessible for New Zealanders and able to meet its emission reduction goals.
• delivering the Road to Zero Strategy, playing our part to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

By joining our team, you will broaden your policy experience and play a significant role in delivering cross-agency initiatives. We deliver reactive and strategic advice while also leading regulatory processes – Bills, Rule changes, and amendments to regulations. You will also grow your internal and external relationships as most of our projects are inter-agency and require consultation with the sector. 

There is flexibility across the work programmes to accommodate individual interests and professional development needs. Initially these vacancies will be involved in delivering elements of the Road to Zero Strategy, including:

• improving the safety of the vehicle fleet
• strengthening commercial transport regulation
• supporting best practice for work-related road safety
• reviewing road safety penalties

Te wāhi ki a koe | What you'll bring

Most of the Mobility and Safety work involves regulatory review and change – so previous regulatory experience is advantageous. However, we are also keen to hear from people with experience in strategic policy development – especially if you are keen to grow exposure to and understanding of the art of regulatory policy. Most important is your ability to deliver robust, high-quality advice to ensure we continue to deliver our high-profile work programme.



Being a Senior Adviser

As a Senior Adviser in the Mobility and Safety team, you'll lead projects that have a real impact on the lives of New Zealanders and speak to your work at Ministers' meetings and Select Committees. You will get the opportunity to provide policy leadership, coach others, undertake complex analysis and develop innovative and practical policy solutions.

You will join us from a background where you've gained demonstrable experience in leading and steering projects, problem-solving complex policy issues, and assessing options. You will need strong written and verbal communication skills to develop high quality and concise advice for Ministers.

Don't have policy development experience? No worries, we'll also consider candidates with experience providing professional advice in a legal, consulting or industry setting who can demonstrate learning agility and the ability to pick up policy quickly. We have a strong focus on professional development, so bring a growth mind-set and you'll receive plenty of support to take ownership of your role.

Being an Adviser

As a Policy Adviser you will prepare advice across a range of transport issues. This includes responding professionally and comprehensively to requests from the public and the Minister. You will gain experience leading the development of official correspondence and responding to requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982. and preparing advice for Ministers.



Our Policy Advisers support and lead interesting, complex, and high-profile government projects. You will collaborate across the team, Ministry, other government agencies and with external stakeholders to critically analyse policy options and prepare robust advice.

If you're looking to broaden your policy experience in a supportive environment, then Te Manatū Waka is the place for you.



Te wāhi ki a mātou | What we offer

In additional to our small and friendly office discreetly located on the wharf, we also offer a supportive and flexible work environment, individual development plans, Ministry leave days, laptop and mobile, a range of health and wellbeing benefits including wellbeing days and an annual Wellness payment, discounted insurances, EAP, a welcoming employee network and more.

Some of our office facilities include plenty of storage for bicycles/scooters, personal secure lockers, collaborative workspaces and showers.  

We pride ourselves on maintaining a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and empowers staff to make decisions. We offer opportunities to develop, learn and grow – with these vacancies coming up because of internal progression and new career opportunities.

The salary step range for a Senior Adviser is: $ 100,976 - $ 134,634 based on your experience.

The salary step range for an experienced Adviser is: $84,146 - $112,194 based on your experience.

The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.



Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

Please submit your application online including a cover letter and CV. In your cover letter please clearly state which level role you are applying for (i.e. Senior Adviser or Adviser)



You will find a copy of the Job Description(s) attached or online at www.transport.govt.nz. *Please note, both job descriptions are attached however, are one pdf document. 



Applications close midnight, Monday 30 January 2023.



For more information and for specific queries or a confidential conversation with Helen White, Manager – Mobility and Safety please contact Kitty McCool at k.mccool@transport.govt.nz. 



We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging.



The Ministry is working to build the capability it needs to be a good partner to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to enable Māori to flourish. We recognise and value te reo and tīkanga Māori in the workplace and value candidates who bring an understanding of te ao Māori. We strongly welcome and encourage candidates from Māori, Pacific and other diverse backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities, who will enrich our understanding of New Zealanders' experience of transport.



You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.



Please note unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.