Senior Advisor

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NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Senior Advisor for a 12-month fixed term in Ministerial Services, based in Wellington and working full time onsite. The role supports ministerial and parliamentary work, drafting responses to official requests and providing timely advice to Ministers and senior leaders. Salary ranges from $109,408 to $121,564, commensurate with experience, and the appointment may run while a team member is seconded. The ideal candidate will have ministerial advisory experience, strong knowledge of the machinery of government plus Official Information and Privacy Acts, superb plain English writing, resilience under pressure, risk judgment and stakeholder relationships, and a willingness to engage with Te Ao Māori and te Tiriti. To apply, view the position description, tailor your CV and cover letter to the criteria, and demonstrate clear examples of managing competing priorities and complex information. Applications close 17 February 2026; early applications are encouraged.

• Play a pivotal role in delivering trusted, high‑quality Ministerial Services at the heart of Government decision‑making
• Fixed term or inter agency opportunity for 12 months
• Based in Wellington

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity  

We have a 12-month fixed term opportunity for someone to join our Ministerial Services team whilst a team member is seconded to another opportunity internally.

We need a driven and organised person who can own and embrace change as we get ready to think and work differently. You will be an integral part of our team to support critical work by providing ministerial and parliamentary expertise and technical knowledge to deliver high quality timely advice to inform Ministers and Senior Leaders.

This is an interesting and diverse role with plenty of variation. Any given day will see you managing and drafting responses to all official, ministerial, and parliamentary requests for information on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $109,408 - $121,564 commensurate to skills and experience.

View the position description here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you  

We manage a large, challenging, and diverse workload and are looking for a Senior Advisor with a few years of Ministerial, or similar, advisory experience ready to get involved. In addition, you will bring: 

• Extensive knowledge of the machinery of government and an understanding of the Official Information and Privacy Acts
• Excellent written and oral communication skills – experience in writing in plain English
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining consistently high standards
• Ability to work under pressure without compromising quality, including managing demanding workloads and competing priorities
• Sound judgement and ability to manage risk appropriately
• Sound relationship management and negotiation skills
• Ability to function independently and as part of a team

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector. 

Ko wai mātou | About us  

Ministerial Services works with other Waka Kotahi business units to meet the organisation’s ministerial servicing and legislative requirements. We are the key interface between the Minister of Transport and Associate Ministers, members of the public and other government organisations, responsible for maintaining the NZTA Waka Kotahi reputation by ensuring that work is of the highest quality, within the required timeframes and meets the needs of our customers. We are the experts in providing advice and support to the wider organisation on machinery of government and parliamentary processes.

If you want to join an organisation with a strong and transparent culture, where wellbeing is a priority and where your talent and skills are valued, then join us in continuing to make NZTA Waka Kotahi a great place to work and apply with your CV.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

For further information, email: [email protected]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.