Principal Advisor Inquiries

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An experienced senior policy practitioner role in the Department of Internal Affairs, Partnerships and Commissions Te Aukaha branch, shaping how statutory inquiries are designed, governed and supported across government. You will provide high quality, politically astute policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers on inquiry establishment, terms of reference, governance settings and system stewardship, across the full inquiry lifecycle with a focus on policy, legislative, accountability and design issues. It is fast paced, high profile work with tight deadlines and opportunities to apply your expertise to broader policy during quieter periods. The appointing range is $129,510 to $143,899. To apply, click the apply button by 5pm Friday 6 March, ensure you have NZ work rights, tailor your submission to Cabinet processes, Ministerial decision-making, OIA responses and senior stakeholder influence. For questions contact Gina Smith.

About Us | Mō mātou    

Join the Partnerships and Commissions | Te Aukaha branch and help deliver services that truly matter! From national institutions and commissions to community-driven initiatives like Hāpai Hapori Community Operations, Archives and Library New Zealand, and Ministerial Services, we bring together innovation, strategy, and action to make a positive difference across Aotearoa.

The role | Te tūnga  

As Principal Advisor, Inquiries (Policy), you will play a senior role in shaping how statutory inquiries are designed, governed, and supported across government.

Working closely with the General Manager and Chief Advisor, Inquiries, you will provide high-quality, politically astute policy advice to senior leaders and Ministers on inquiry establishment, terms of reference, governance settings, and system stewardship. You will operate across the full inquiry lifecycle, with a particular focus on policy, legislative, accountability, and system design issues.

This role sits at the intersection of policy, governance, and accountability, contributing to Cabinet and Ministerial advice, supporting Parliamentary and public accountability, and strengthening DIA’s role as a trusted system leader.

Operating in a fast-paced and high-profile environment, you will quickly respond to emerging issues and tight deadlines, especially during inquiry establishment or periods of heightened Ministerial or public interest. 

During quieter periods you will have opportunities to apply your senior policy expertise to broader policy, system, or strategic work, providing variety and professional development across the Branch and Department. 

What you bring | Nōu te rourou  

You will be an experienced senior policy practitioner who is comfortable operating in complex, high-profile, and politically sensitive environments. You will bring:

• Experience operating in a complex, high profile and politically sensitive environments
• Extensive experience providing senior-level policy advice within the public sector
• A strong understanding of Cabinet processes, Ministerial decision-making, and the public sector authorising environment
• Experience preparing Cabinet papers, Ministerial briefings, correspondence, Official Information Act responses, and Written Parliamentary Questions
• Sound knowledge of public sector governance and accountability frameworks, ideally including the Inquiries Act 2013 and related legislation
• The ability to identify and manage system-level risks, emerging issues, and reputational sensitivities
• Excellent analytical, written, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to mentoring others and lifting policy quality

For you | Mōu

We offer the opportunity to work on matters of national significance, alongside highly skilled colleagues, in a role that provides real influence and visibility. You’ll be supported to grow your expertise, contribute to system improvement, and make a meaningful impact for New Zealanders

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. 

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role $129,510 - $143,899, with the potential to appoint higher depending on level of experience.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our recruitment team below if there is any support we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

Applications for this role close 5pm, Friday 6th March. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

If you have any questions please e-mail General Manager Commissions, Gina Smith.

To review the full job description, please click here.