Senior/Policy Advisor

• Complex challenges. Critical time. Great policy opportunities.

• Three secondment/ fixed-term roles (until March 2028) available in the policy directorate at DOC.

• 1 x Advisor role and 2 x Senior Advisor roles. Wellington based.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Te Papa Atawhai DOC has an opportunity to shape and influence policy that drives transformational change in Aotearoa's conservation sector.

As an Advisor or Senior Policy Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in crafting robust policy advice for senior leaders and Ministers aligned with DOC's strategic direction and Treaty obligations.

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 briefings for Ministers and Cabinet, and consultation material for key stakeholders and the wider public.

• Influencing and supporting legislative and regulatory change that meets the needs of our Minister, Treaty partners, and senior leaders.

• Key role in advising on and managing Cabinet and Legislative processes, including supporting select committee where needed.

• A senior advisor will also play a leadership role, coaching policy advisors across the wider team and policy directorate, and supporting cross-team collaboration.

We are recruiting for 3 x fixed term/secondment roles (until March 2028) across these teams- Hunting & Fishing, Regulatory Systems and Budget & Funding but you will be flexible to work across different policy areas as team priorities shift.

DOC’s policy unit is home to 7 teams who work on a wide variety of subjects and collaborate with people all across the Agency and wider Government. We encourage a supportive and friendly culture, seeking to develop our staff in their roles and careers.  

Click here for Role Description Senior Policy

Click here for Role Description Advisor

Ngā pūkenga me ngā 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 following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Strong policy analysis skills, including experience with legislative processes.

• Experience with the budget process and working at the Treasury.

• Strong critical thinking capability – adept at identifying critical issues and risks when undertaking policy analysis and provides pragmatic solutions to problems. 

• Great collaboration and effective communication skills to support how you deliver your work

• 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 Māori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Māori. 

For a senior role, we will also be interested in applicants who may have:

• Proven experience leading complex project-based policy work in a pragmatic and agile way. 

• Well-developed stakeholder management skills, including involvement in public consultation processes.

• Ability to mentor and manaaki other colleagues in their work.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation. Please clearly state which role you are applying for in your cover letter. We are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: The salary range for the positions as below with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

• Senior Policy Advisor - $96,954- $138,500

• Policy Advisor - $83,515 - $120,500

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

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 02 September 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please email [email protected].