Policy Advisor & Senior Policy Advisor (Fixed Term)

Key selling points:

• Join DOC to apply and develop your policy skills, provide strategic advice and contribute to major legislative reforms
• $82,440.00 - $110,290.00 or $95,706.00 - $128,271.00
• Fixed Term and Permanent Opportunities, Wellington location

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitutanga | About the role

Te Papa Atawhai DOC has several opportunities for Policy Advisor & Senior Policy Advisors to shape and influence transformational change in Aotearoa's conservation sector.

You'll play a pivotal role in developing robust and strategic policy advice for senior leaders and the Minister. You will also have opportunities to represent Te Papa Atawhai through public engagement and cross-agency work relevant to your role. This is an opportunity to be involved in major legislative reforms, which could include work to review or amend the Conservation Act 1987, the Wildlife Act 1953, and the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.

We have the below vacancies available:

The positions will be focussed on:

• Leading analytical work (independently and as part of the wider team to identify, develop and assess policy options)
• Providing high-quality advice for senior leaders, Ministers and Cabinet.
• Influencing and supporting legislative change that meets the needs of our Ministers, Treaty partners, and senior leaders

In additional to the above, Senior Policy Advisors also:

• Play a leadership role within the team, coaching and supporting policy advisors across the wider team.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for motivated and passionate people with a genuine interest in environmental or conservation policy.

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Strong policy analysis skills, ideally including experience with legislative processes
• Strong critical thinking capability - adept at identifying critical issues and risks when undertaking policy analysis, and providing pragmatic solutions to problems
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, internally and externally
• Strong written and oral communication skills, getting complex messages across clearly and concisely to a range of audiences
• Well-developed stakeholder management skills, potentially including involvement in public consultation processes
• Ability to plan effectively, working at pace to respond to short-term requirements while also managing long term deliverables
• Experience working in the environment sector and on conservation issues
• Cultural awareness - understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi including the willingness to engage in Te Ao Maori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Maori.

In additional to the above, Senior Policy Advisors will also have:

• Proven ability to mentor and manaaki other colleagues in their work
• Ability to navigate complex relationships and different perspectives to deliver well-grounded policy advice.

Mo te tima | About the team

The Policy Directorate provides the strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system. The Directorate ensures DOC has the right frameworks and settings in place to deliver on our outcomes for conservation, to meet Government priorities, and to be an honourable Treaty partner.

Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono inaianei | Apply now

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. If you are interested in a particular role, please advise.

Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

The salary range for these positions are

• Advisor: $82,440.00 - $110,290.00
• Senior Policy Advisor: $95,706.00 - $128,271.00

The starting salary of the successful applicant is based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Ra katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 17th August 2025

Me he patai ano | For further enquiries, contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leyoung@doc.govt.nz

Taupanga | Job reference: DOC/1877250