Senior Policy Advisor
- Address core policy challenges facing New Zealand's unique biodiversity
- Support changes to protect biodiversity through fit-for-purpose legislation
- Climate adaptation and mitigation policy that encourages and works with nature
- Permanent full time, Wellington location
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.
Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Join our Biodiversity Systems Policy team and work across the complex challenges facing New Zealand's unique biodiversity, including climate change.
As Senior Policy Advisor, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting robust and strategic policy advice for senior leaders and the Minister, aligned with DOC’s strategic direction. You’ll also engage internally and externally in ways that represent Te Papa Atawhai and align with our strategic policy objectives.
The position will be focussed on:
- Leading analytical work to identify, develop and assess policy options, both independently and as part of the wider team
- Providing high-quality advice for Ministers and Cabinet, and written material to support engagement with stakeholders and the wider public
- Influencing and supporting legislative change that meets the needs of our Minister, Treaty partners, and senior leaders
- Playing a leadership role within the team, coaching and leading policy advisors across the wider team.
- Ensure fit-for-purpose legislative settings are in place in relation to wildlife and their protection, including work to repeal and replace the Wildlife Act 1953.
- Advise on how public conservation land can support delivery against climate targets, including through nature-based solutions like native afforestation and wetland restoration.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
Previous experience in environmental or conservation-related policy is not a requirement for this role. We are looking for an experienced policy practitioner looking to build their skills further, and can support the right candidate to grow their content knowledge of conservation as they come on board.
Some of the key skills we are looking for in this role include:
- Experience providing authoritative and frank policy advice on complex matters that recognises the choices and constraints Ministers face and anticipates their needs.
- The ability to see the big picture, and to be able to position your work within the broader political and organisational context.
- Experience in navigating complexity and adapting to change, including the ability to find new solutions and ways forward to deliver on expectations.
- Strong collaboration skills, and commitment to working as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present critical information sharply and concisely, tailoring advice and analysis to the needs of others.
- Ability to mentor and manaaki other colleagues in their work.
- Cultural awareness – understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi including the willingness to engage in Te Ao Māori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Māori.
DOC has a new and ambitious strategy focused on improving conservation outcomes. The Policy Directorate works across a range of policy, regulatory, and funding issues to achieve these - we provide the strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system. The Directorate ensures DOC has the right frameworks and settings in place to deliver on our outcomes for conservation, to meet Government priorities, and to be an honourable Treaty partner.
As one of seven policy teams in the Directorate, the Biodiversity Systems Policy team's key purpose is to lead advice on the policy and system settings needed to deliver the biodiversity outcomes sought through Te Mana o te Taiao – the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020, and to maximise the contribution biodiversity makes to New Zealand's climate goals.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.
Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
The salary range for this position is $96,185.00 – $128,912.00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Caroline Reid, carreid@doc.govt.nz