Principal Advisor at Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Rewarding work that has a real impact on the lives of New Zealanders
• You'll bring a strategic view to what we see happening across the system
• Strong connections needed across the Ministry and sector to create real change

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role sits in HUD's System Strategy team. The role of the team is to look across the housing and urban development system to find out how we can improve its performance. Much of our work centres around bringing the Government Policy Statement - Housing and Urban Development (GPS-HUD) to life. The GPS-HUD guides where the system needs to head over the next 30 years. The role of the System Strategy team is to make connections across the organisation and the system to ensure the right things are happening to create real change.

The Principal Advisor System Strategy will be expected to bring a strategic lens to what we see happening across the housing and urban development system, and to driving and facilitating progress in key strategic areas, to build strong relationships across the Ministry and across the sector, and synthesise advice that helps the Ministry to set its direction. Responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of cross-cutting strategic assessments and advice that informs and guides the Ministry and government on key strategic issues
• Understanding the housing and urban system, asking critical questions, highlighting the connections and themes and helping to articulate the impact we are having
• Leading or supporting topical, complex, and high priority work designed to drive the key shifts needed for our systems - including the next refresh of the GPS-HUD itself
• Supporting the Ministry to develop itself as a system leader and platform for change
• Contributing to building strategy and collaboration capability across the Ministry.

The Principal Advisor System Strategy will also:

• Take a lead role in supporting the Manager to shape and drive the team's work programme
• Expertly use project planning and management techniques to effectively lead and deliver the agreed programme of work, including assessing risk and developing risk mitigation strategies
• Coach and mentor and support the overall capability development of the team.

These roles work with policy and strategy professionals to analyse complex and challenging problems, and find solutions. HUD offers an interesting, challenging, and rewarding environment where the work you do can make a meaningful difference for people. We value diversity in our workforce as well as alignment with our values, Wānangatia - Curiosity; Arohatia - Empathy; Kōkiritia - Drive.

Ō wheako, ō pukenga | About you

We are looking for natural relationship builders, capable of working across diverse stakeholders to understand varying perspectives and reflect them in advice that you give. Your experience thus far has equipped you with strong analytical skills and the ability to see the bigger picture. You will be able to draw on a range of frameworks and methods and apply appropriate approaches to complex issues, building your knowledge for housing and urban development system issues by using information and evidence from multiple and diverse sources. You will:

• Have a strategic outlook, able to analyse large, complex issues and readily grasp and synthesise the ideas, analysis and advice produced by others
• Be an articulate and competent communicator both verbal and written, and have strong interpersonal skills
• Bring strong influencing skills and be able to shape the thinking of key stakeholders to produce robust advice and strategic decisions
• Have experience with establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within and beyond government
• Easily develop trust and credibility with senior managers, staff, and key external stakeholders
• Possess sound judgment and political acumen to be able to navigate and lead in a political environment as well as handle contentious and/or sensitive issues
• Have proven project management skills
• Have good general knowledge of public policy, practices and issues
• Have experience effectively building the capability of others and be able to comfortably manoeuvre through a highly complex and politically sensitive environment, identifying issues and concerns affecting outcomes.

What we can offer you

• Flexible working to give work/life balance
• Engaging employee-led people networks that celebrate diversity, provide safe spaces, and encourage thought-leadership
• Close to the Wellington train station, modern office space and cloud -based technology that allows for joined up, cohesive collaboration
• Wellbeing initiatives, tools and courses, and a discounted health insurance scheme
• Open minds - we aren't afraid of change and encourage fresh approaches and ideas from people who want to make a difference
• We work to make sure the aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi are enabled

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click on the APPLY button to be directed to the application page, from here you can upload your CV and cover letter. Please note, while applications close Sunday, 26 March 2023, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.'

For further inquiries please contact