Senior Policy Advisor (hourly-rate contract) – Wellington

This is a high-expectation role in a central government agency working on a complex reset of support and services within a critical social sector for New Zealand.

Reporting to a Principal Advisor, you’ll operate across strategy, policy development, and operational considerations — leading and contributing to a challenging programme of work that requires clear thinking, strong analysis, and high-quality advice to Ministers and senior leaders.

You’ll be expected to interrogate issues, assess options, and articulate trade-offs in an environment that is fast-paced and not fully defined. This isn’t about maintaining the status quo — it’s about shaping what comes next.

We’re looking for someone with proven experience at Senior Policy Advisor level in a New Zealand Ministry, who can step in immediately, brings strong strategic analysis and core policy capability, understands operational considerations, can write confidently, engage stakeholders, and deliver without constant direction.

Immediate start | Contract through to Sept 2026

Up to $120/hr + GST

Wellington-based | Flexible WFH (up to 2 days)

If you need things mapped out for you, this will be uncomfortable. If you can bring clarity where others stall, you’ll add real value.

How to Apply

To express interest & find out more, please apply to this job advert including a copy of your CV. Applicants with suitable experience will be contacted by Caroline Prior, Senior Consultant at Frog Recruitment for a confidential discussion about the opportunity, before making a plan with you to present your details to our client, if appropriate. Your CV will never be sent by Frog Recruitment to any 3rd party without your consent.

We’ve used AI to help make this advert clear and easy to read, but rest assured — every application will be personally reviewed by one of our consultants at Frog Recruitment.