Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, New Zealand Looking for Principal Policy Advisor – Strategic Coordination at Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Full Time

National Security Group

Fixed Term or Secondment to December 2025

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

We’re looking for a talented policy professional to join a dynamic team navigating some of New Zealand’s most pressing policy challenges.

Do you have excellent policy skills, with a demonstrated ability to apply these to complex policy challenges? Are you a strategic thinker? Do you enjoy working collaboratively with others to solve problems? Do you have a passion for achieving better outcomes for all New Zealanders?

The Strategic Coordination function sits within the National Security Group (NSG) in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). It provides strategic leadership of New Zealand’s national system on all elements of complex cross-system national security threats. It is responsible for ensuring that the all-of-government work on these threats is cohesive and aligned with national strategies, including through the delivery of multi-agency work programmes and providing high quality, high value advice to the Prime Minister, Ministers, and senior officials on all aspects of the management of the threat.

The specific focus of the Principal Policy Advisor is to lead exceptional policy analysis and advice on national security matters within the allocated portfolio area, and to support the Strategic Coordinator to provide strategic system leadership to manage the relevant national security threat and coordinate delivery of a cross-government work programme.

The position is full-time and is Wellington-based.

You’ll find further reading on the work of the National Security Group (NSG) here.

Ō pūmanawa | About You

As part of the high-performing and collaborative team, you’ll contribute to the work by partnering with the Strategic Coordinator to set the strategic direction and drive the work programme, including leading complex policy projects.

The Policy Project’s Policy Skills Framework describes the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of NSG’s policy staff.

Principal Policy Advisors are expected to demonstrate these at the expert/leading level.

For detailed descriptors, refer to the full Policy Skills Framework here.

To be successful, you will bring with you

• An interest in national security, and in working to provide better outcomes for New Zealanders
• Demonstrated experience delivering sophisticated policy advice, on complex, challenging projects, at pace
• Exceptional critical thinking and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate analysis of complex problems
• Exceptional engagement and relationship management skills, and strong networks across relevant government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Sound judgment, rigour, political nous, and an ability to navigate ambiguity to solve complex problems
• Excellent communication skills – persuasive, collaborative, sensitive, and inspiring
• A demonstrated ability to influence and engage others within and outside the organisation
• Knowledge of government priorities and relevant political context
• Strong public sector foundations, including an understanding of the obligations of the Crown under the Treaty of Waitangi and expectations of Māori related to your work.
• A relevant tertiary qualification,

If you’re driven by a passion for national security, thrive on strategic challenges, and aspire to make a significant impact at the heart of government, we want you on our team.

Security Requirements | Ngā Whakaritenga Haumarutanga

You must already hold at Top Secret security clearance, and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Special security clearance. Normally to obtain this level of clearance you must be a New Zealand citizen or hold a Resident class visa. Alternatively, you must have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia with a 15 year checkable background. To find out more check your eligibility for a TOP SECRET SPECIAL (TSS) security clearance.

Ta matou e tuku | What we offer

The role comes with a competitive salary in the range of $144,291 – $161,266 p/a (including Kiwi Saver contributions), plus benefits package, plus

• Office space close to bus and train connections, Wellington CBD.
• The chance to be part of a team that promotes a positive and collaborative work environment.

Me pehea te tono | How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this role, please apply online. Applications close at 8pm, Sunday 29 September 2024.