Senior Policy Advisor

Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

Join a central government policy team working in the intelligence space. This is a close-knit, recently rebuilt team of good humour and genuine collegiality, where the work is varied, topical and consequential. You will be part of a group that provides sharp, timely second-opinion policy advice on some of the country's most significant public safety questions.

He aha koe e whiwhi ai? | What's in it for you?

• Salary band of $142,124 – $181,603, with a midpoint of $157,916
• A genuinely well-regarded salary band for a senior policy position
• One day per week working from home, negotiable by agreement once you are settled
• A broad portfolio — so no two pieces of work look alike
• A nice working environment with good colleagues, good humour and interesting work
• Support to obtain a national security clearance if you do not already hold one

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the Role

This is a senior policy position for a practitioner who enjoys breadth. You will work across at least three major strategic national security initiatives in the coming year, alongside ongoing legislative work and emerging online issues. Much of the team's work is second-opinion policy advice — the same rigour as developing policy from scratch, delivered in far less time. You will also play a visible role in lifting the capability of a team with many early-career members.

Ngā kawenga | Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality second-opinion policy advice across intelligence portfolios
• Develop, test and critique policy proposals to a high standard under tight timeframes
• Contribute thought leadership to major strategic national security initiatives
• Support legislative and regulatory work
• Analyse emerging technology challenges, including online harm to children and young people
• Build and manage relationships with policy and operational colleagues across agencies
• Present and advocate the team's position credibly to central policy agencies
• Mentor, coach and support more junior and early-career members of the team

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills & Experience

• A very experienced policy practitioner — principal, chief advisor, manager or experienced contractor background, or a strong senior ready for the next step
• A capable generalist who can turn their hand to a variety of subject matter
• Proven critical thinking and thought leadership on substantial policy work
• Excellent relationship management and the ability to present messages persuasively
• Experience mentoring and coaching less experienced policy staff
• Holds a national security clearance, or is able to obtain one, with a verifiable history and the maturity the clearance requires
• Knowledge of the national security sector is helpful; strong transferable skills are welcome

Me pēwhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Apply now with your current CV.

For further information please contact Peter Crestani, Branch Manager, Wellington, on peter@frogrecruitment.co.nz.

We’ve used AI to help make this advert clear and easy to read, but rest assured—every application is assessed using both technology and recruiter oversight at Frog Recruitment.

At people2people, Edge Recruitment and Frog Recruitment, we welcome everyone and encourage people to be their authentic selves. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact your recruitment consultant so we can support your needs.