Senior Advisor, Critical Infrastructure Resilience at Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We are looking for several talented and enthusiastic Senior Advisors with experience in designing regulatory frameworks to join the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Unit within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). These roles are available on a fixed term or secondment basis, subject to the agreement of your employer.

The Critical Infrastructure Resilience Unit is working to enhance New Zealanders' wellbeing through regulatory reform to better ensure that essential services are available before, during, and after disruptive events - whether it be a cyclone or a cyber incident.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a central agency, in the heart of government. You will contribute to a high-priority and meaningful legislative work programme, focused on designing a more coordinated, systems-based approach to regulating New Zealand's critical infrastructure system.

This is a newly established policy role in the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Unit within the DPMC's National Security Group.  Working in a high-performing and collaborative team, you will:

• work across multi-faceted policy streams to deliver a new, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for critical infrastructure resilience  
• develop and shape policy options to deliver outcomes designed to protect lives and livelihoods, and support New Zealand's economic growth
• lead the development of authoritative and influential policy advice to support decision makers, including Ministers
• prepare engaging materials to support public consultation and build social licence for regulatory reform
• develop, maintain, and manage enduring relationships across a variety of stakeholders, within the public and private sector as well as with Māori and iwi.

Ō pūmanawa | About You

This work will suit you if you have experience in developing public policy, with the following attributes particularly valuable: 

• prior involvement in regulatory-system design
• knowledge of legislative and Parliamentary processes
• familiarity with the critical infrastructure system, either through working on relevant policy issues, or regulating a critical infrastructure sector.

To be successful, you will bring with you:

• a strong interest in public policy with knowledge of government processes
• experience in designing regulatory frameworks
• critical thinking and analytical skills, with an ability to navigate ambiguity to solve complicated problems
• strong academic rigour, nous, and judgement
• excellent written and oral communication, including the ability to clearly articulate analysis of complex problems
• an ability to connect with and influence others
• a commitment to a supportive, high energy team environment.  

A national security clearance is, similarly, beneficial but not required.

Applications close 1 October 2023. We will be reviewing applications during the advertising period and may be in in contact prior to the closing date.