Principal Advisor – Office of the Deputy Secretary (6-Month Fixed-Term Contract) – ASAP Start

Wellington | Fixed-Term Contract | $130,000–$160,000 pro rata

JOB Reference JAA6561

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Advisor to join the Office of the Deputy Secretary within a large central government agency. The role is based in Wellington and is looking for an ASAP start.

This is a senior, high-impact role where you will provide strategic advice and support to executive leadership, helping to drive organisational priorities and ensure decision-makers receive high-quality, timely advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice and support to the Head of the office of the Deputy Secretary.
• Prepare high-quality briefings, reports, and decision papers.
• Lead and coordinate priority initiatives and projects.
• Identify and manage emerging issues, risks, and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships across business groups and key stakeholders.
• Support and develop advisory capability within the wider team.

About You

You will be a highly skilled advisor with:

• Experience in a similar senior or principal advisor role.
• Proven experience providing trusted advice to senior executives, Ministers, or government decision-makers.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential
• Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• Self starter with the ability to hit the ground runing, navigate complexity, ambiguity, and sensitive issues.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior advisor who enjoys operating at pace, connecting issues across a broad portfolio, and contributing to strategic decision-making within a complex public sector environment.

To be considered or for a confidential discussion please apply now with an updated CV and a short cover letter. For other inquiries or information please contact info@thejohnsongroup.co.nz quoting job reference JAA6561 for a confidential chat.