Principal Policy Advisor

Lead and support the team s ground-breaking work on data ethics, including the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
If you re an experienced senior policy analyst considering a step up, we encourage you to apply!

About Us | Mō mātou

At Tatauranga Aotearoa, Stats NZ, our vision is to unleash the power of data to change lives. As New Zealand s official data and statistics agency, we are tasked with leading the way for New Zealand s data future, enabling data-led innovation across society, the economy, and the environment.

The role | Mō te tūnga

The System Policy team works on strategic policy advice to drive and sustain an improved and effective data system, playing a key role in supporting the Government Chief Data Steward s policy work.

The team leads ground-breaking work to support the ethical and transparent use of data (such as the Algorithm Charter), the refresh of the Data Strategy and Roadmap, and the development of the Data Investment Plan in collaboration with a range of agencies. The team also provides policy and secretariat and policy support to the Data Ethics Advisory Group and the Digital Council for Aotearoa.

We are looking for a Principal Policy Advisor position with significant policy expertise and a genuine interest in shaping data policy for all New Zealand.

A vital part of the role will be advising Cabinet, Ministers, senior management, and external expert groups, so you ll excel in providing impeccable written and verbal policy advice. You ll be a whiz at problem solving and able to quickly change gears to manage both long and short-term deliverables.

As the Principal Policy Advisor, you ll join, and help to lead a committed team, operating in an exciting and emerging area covering everything from governance settings to emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence.

Your excellent communication skills are a key element to your success, as is your proven ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships, with stakeholders from within and outside government.

About you | Mōu

A post-graduate tertiary qualification appropriate for the role.
Ability to produce and lead high quality policy work, including by coaching and mentoring junior staff.
Significant experience in developing, managing and delivering high-quality policy advice.
Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships.
Experience working with senior leaders and Ministers.
Excellent understanding of the machinery of government.
Experience working with complexity and finding innovative solutions.
An awareness of economic, social and governmental influences, the political environment, and other agencies and groups likely to influence our work.
Knowledge/familiarity or a commitment to learn/understand a Te Ao Māori worldview, and the importance of a treaty-based partnership approach to policy.

You ll be joining an inclusive environment where people, regardless of gender, race, disability, religion or background are supported to be able to do their best work.

This includes:

Flexible by default, balance life and work commitments
Exciting and meaningful work that makes a difference to Aotearoa
Opportunity to develop and grow your career (coaching culture, study support, secondments, acting up)

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

If the above matches your skills and experience, click apply and upload your CV and cover letter.

To view position description, paste this link https://bit.ly/3j6LrIY into your browser.

Any questions that haven t been answered in this advert or the position description or if you have difficulty with your application please email jobs@stats.govt.nz.

We will be screening applications as we receive them in order to move swiftly to interview shortly after the advert closes on 16 February 2021. View our careers page for more info on the process.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted, see our careers page for more info.

You must have the right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply

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