Position Title: Principal Adviser
Team and Group: Programme Monitoring & Investment Management | Investment & Monitoring
Position Type: Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)
Location: Wellington CBD office
Salary: $136,164-$168,973 per annum (+ KiwiSaver)
- Vibrant and varied team | Permanent Full Time
- Influential role in a small agency where you can work closely to decision makers
- Wellington CBD based
About the opportunity | Nga whakamarama mo te tunga
The Programme Monitoring and Investment Management team is one of six teams within the Investment and Monitoring Group. The team operates in a fast-paced environment, but they maintain a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. They are led by a supportive manager who fosters collaboration and ensures that team members feel valued.
The team provides monitoring and assurance of transport investments that are Crown funded on behalf of the Minister of Transport. Our work spans all transport modes and the programmes we monitor include business cases, large procurements, and programmes at the construction/delivery phase.
As our new principal adviser, you will have the opportunity to work on high-profile and high-priority programmes such as:
- Procurement of a replacement vessel for the Chatham Islands
- Lower North Island Rail Integrated Mobility (LNIRIM) Programme - new trains and network upgrades for Wairarapa and Manawatu rail passengers
- City Rail Link (CRL) - this is the largest infrastructure investment in Aotearoa!
Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only.
We encourage you to view related vacancies at https://mot.careercentre.net.nz/Job
What you'll bring | Te wahi ki a koe
As our Principal Adviser, you will bring proven expertise in contract negotiation, commercial strategy, and policy development. Whether your background is in procurement, consultancy, or finance, your ability to navigate complex environments will be key to your success. Experience within central government or a similar setting is highly desirable, along with a strong understanding of the machinery of government and how it operates.
You will also have:
- Commercial expertise (including leading contract negotiations and experience leading large procurements)
- Expertise in giving advice (including leading the development of briefings and cabinet papers)
- Expertise in managing relationships across government (including working positively with stakeholders in complex and/or high-pressure situations)
- Highly developed policy and analytical skills (including options analysis, financial analysis, and preferably expertise in data analysis and visualisation)
- Experience leading project teams to deliver outcomes (including coaching and mentoring other staff)
- Highly developed communication skills (including written and oral communication)
- Experience developing and implementing monitoring frameworks
- Experience managing appropriations and knowledge of accounting treatment for various Crown investments and funding methods.
This is an excellent opportunity to draw on your previous relevant experiences and contribute to making positive improvements that will have a positive impact on the wider Ministry and our mahi across Aotearoa.
Salary range | Whanuitanga Utu a-Tau
The base salary range budget for this position is $136,164-$168,973 (mid point $140,812) per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.
What we offer | Te wahi ki a matou
- Supportive work environment and individual development plans
- Additional Ministry leave days
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits including wellbeing days
- Modern offices with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
- A welcoming range of employee networks
About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mo matou Te Manatu Waka
The Ministry of Transport is an impartial, expert and trusted adviser to government, shaping transport for New Zealand. We work to deliver a well-functioning transport system that helps grow New Zealand's economy and productivity. The Ministry's values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.
How to apply | Me pehea te tono mai
To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
To apply for this role, you must have right to live and work in New Zealand. You will need to be based in Wellington or ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.
Applications close midnight, Sunday 3 August 2025.
For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Recruitment Adviser, Kitty McCool at k.mccool@transport.govt.nz.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We 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 relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.
For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.