Principal Policy Adviserat Ministry of Transport137,527 - 170,664

apartmentMinistry of Transport placeWellington calendar_month10/10/2025

Position Title:

Principal Policy Adviser Team and Group: Transport Financing, Investment and Monitoring GroupPosition Type: Permanent, Full Time (38 hours per week)Location: Wellington CBD office (Queens Wharf)Salary: Base Salary $137,527
$170,664 p.a.+ KiwiSaver & mobileShape thinking and work on priority issues for the Ministry and Minister of TransportInfluential role in a small agency where you can work face-to-face, close to decision makers, and without silosAbout the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū WakaThe Ministry of Transport is the government's adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment.

We play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve prosperity for New Zealanders.

The Ministry's values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.About the opportunity | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūngaWe are looking for an enthusiastic, autonomous, and high-performing Principal policy professional to join the Transport Financing Team at the Ministry of Transport.

This role will lead the Ministry's advice on the transport Crown Entities' funding reviews, and provide support to the Transport Financing Team's wider work programme.Funding reviews are a powerful opportunity to ensure transport agencies have the resources they need to deliver on their statutory responsibilities

while also giving users and Ministers confidence that public funds are being managed efficiently, transparently, and with accountability.The Ministry of Transport plays a central role in shaping these reviews, providing strategic advice to Ministers to help drive value for money at a reasonable cost by ensuring funding decisions are grounded in evidence, aligned with good practice, and focused on delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders.You'll bring together insights from our policy and monitoring functions, and your ability to navigate financial trade-offs, to assess how agencies are performing and how their regulatory and operating models support their funding needs.This role is an excellent fit for those people who bring a collaborative and constructive approach to navigating complex challenges, and who can apply their critical thinking to provide sound and pragmatic recommendations.Working in the Transport Financing Team you will also have the opportunity to develop your economic, commercial, and financial skillsets by supporting the wider team's work programme which includes advice on various financing and funding proposals.Based on the work or support that may be required, this position is Wellington based only.

What you'll bring | Te wāhi ki a koeAs a principal adviser you will demonstrate extensive experience and successful capability in:leading policy development and analysis in the public sector with a deep understanding of government policy-making procedures, and excellent political nous;leading the planning and management of large, complex, risky, ambiguous, and sensitive policy projects/programmes, while working through others to achieve this and under pressure to meet tight timelines;understanding the policy process and machinery of government, including regulatory frameworks, interpreting legislation, and knowledge about associated government institutions, across multiple portfolio areas;proactively and successfully building and maintaining effective working relationships and networks at all levels, internally and externally, including influencing others to achieve outcomes;numerical analysis that includes an understanding and application of economic, fiscal, and statistical concepts;successful communication and influencing skills, including the use of a range of oral, written and visual mediums to communicate and influence effectively to diverse audiences and situations demonstrating political nous;written advice, where you nail the pitch, tone, clarity and conciseness every time, and help others do the same;applying your intellectual thinking and leadership to add value, solve problems and draw well-considered conclusions and provide clear advice or decisions; andeffectively building the capability of others, including the provision of proactive coaching and identifying opportunities to develop peopleThis role requires a tertiary qualification in a relevant field (such as public policy, economics, or law).Salary rangeThe salary band range for this position is $137,527

$170,664 (midpoint $142,221) per annum + KiwiSaver.

The salary offered will reflect skills and experience.What we offerYou'll be joining a small and agile agency with a flat structure and a focus on continuous improvement.

You'll receive a range of employee benefits including:An exciting work programme, including engagement with senior leaders and MinistersSupportive work environment and individual development plansLaptop, mobile and work from home IT equipmentModern offices located right on the wharf with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockersA range of employee-led networksJoin us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.How to applyTo 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, Thursday 16 October 2025.For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Rebecca Bakker, Senior Recruitment Adviser at r.bakker@transport.govt.nz.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

We aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, and supported.For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz.

thumb_up_altRecommended

Analystat Ministry of Education -

apartmentMinistry of EducationplaceWellington

the Ministry of Education. You will manipulate, analyse and summarise Ministry of Education data about early learning and schools, from a wide range of data repositories and often with a short turnaround time using tools such as SAS, SQL and Excel. The team...

business_centerHigh salary

Counsellor / Christian Ministry

placeWellington

Counsellor/Christian Ministry Positions Do you have a desire to use your counselling skills and Christian faith together in your work? About Us: Cross Roads Christian Community Trust has been working with people who have life struggles since 1993...

electric_boltImmediate start

Executive Assistantat Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade -

apartmentMinistry of Foreign Affairs & TradeplaceWellington

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders. Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui. Executive Assistant to Deputy...